Background: The dramatic increase in the use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) was associated with an increased rate of CIED infection, which has a high management cost.
Aim of the study: To test the safety and efficacy of a single-session protocol, aiming to reuse the infected pocket side and the same device and leads in patients with CIED pocket infection.
Patients and methods: We included patients with isolated pocket infection between January 2015 and November 2019. The Patient was prepared by taking a swab for culture and sensitivity before the procedure. The pocket was debrided and the capsule was removed, the pocket was rinsed with povidone-iodine and hydrogen peroxide mixture, then packed with gauze sponge soaked with povidone-iodine. The device was debrided using ultrasonic irrigation and sterilized using gas plasma. The device was reimplanted and the wound was closed in layers.
Results: During the period of the study, we had 12 patients with isolated pocket infection. Nine presented with erosion, two with impending erosion, and one with a chronic sinus. Patient's age was 61.5 ± 7.64 years. The infection was diagnosed 14.2 ± 8.22 weeks post device implantation. They were admitted for 7.6 ± 1.54 days postprocedure. The follow-up duration was 26.5 ± 15 (1.7-52) months. Only one patient (8%) had a recurrence of the infection after 50 days of the procedure.
Conclusion: Our protocol was successful in treating 92% of device-related pocket infection without the need to replace the device or the pocket side.
Keywords: CIED infection; CIED reuse; pocket salvage.
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