Surgical Case Report: Results of the Infected Pacing Lead Extraction

Abstract

Background: The rate of implantation of the cardiac pacing system and implantable cardioverter defibrillator is increasing with aging and new indications. Although obvious benefits, the use of these devices is associated with serious complications, including device infection.
Case: Between 1989 and 2008, 947 patients were performed implantation therapy with permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Blood stream infection was found at 16 patients. Four patients underwent surgical pacemaker lead extraction using extracorporeal circulation. Their average age was 75.5 yeas old. One patient died at third post operated day due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS).
Summary: It is obvious that the open heart surgery using extracorporeal circulation is a high risk therapy for the patient with infected endocarditis. The guidelines for management of cardiac device infection must be proposed and discussed as soon as possible, including direct extraction.