Leadless pacemakers: Minimizing infections of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators

Leadless pacemakers: Minimizing infections of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators As the population ages, concerns about infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are increasing. This article explores the risk factors and proposes potential solutions to improve the safety of cardiac devices.As the world’s population increases, the number of individuals aged 65 and over is expected to increase disproportionately, (1) which will likely lead to higher rates of pacemaker implantations (Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices, or CIEDs). (2-4) One of the complications associated with pacemaker implants is infection. In the first six months after the procedure, the infection rate is approximately 1% for pacemakers and 1.7% for defibrillators. Over two years, the infection rate rises to 9.5% for cardiac resynchronization devices. (5,6)