An overview of the latest management of cardiac device infections

Abstract

Over the past decades, implantation of cardiac devices has increased dramatically not only in the United States (US) but worldwide. Despite the known benefits of cardiac devices and the greater ease in implantation, the incidence of cardiac device infection (CDI) is increasing. Cardiac device include permanent pacemaker (PPM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with or without ICD. This paper is to present an overview of the latest management of CDI including epidemiology, types of CDI, causative agents and risk factors. Diagnosis and treatment options for CDI will be reviewed. In addition, the role of nurses in the prevention of CDI will be discussed.