Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are complex medical problems that are increasingly encountered. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality with tremendous economic cost. The current review will emphasize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this clinical entity using the relatively limited evidence that is currently available. Because there is a paucity of high quality evidence regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections, this review will attempt to summarize the best evidence as well as to suggest, when possible, paradigms for care. The topic of CIED infections is a dynamic one as the scope of CIED continues to widen. Furthermore, there are promising advancements in CIED technology which may help reduce its occurrence the future. Unfortunately, significant gaps in knowledge remain, and definitive recommendations regarding CIED infections and future studies should be directed at improving our ability to prevent infections.