Management of Device Infections.

The rate of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection has increased disproportionately to the rate of implantation. Expanded indications for CIED implantation combined with a sicker patient population contribute to this increased rate. Device-related infections are most commonly due to perioperative contamination, and infection risk increases in conjunction with procedural complexity. Early pocket re-exploration and upgrade procedures confer a higher infectious risk. Confirmed CIED infection requires prompt removal of the CIED system combined with antimicrobial therapy. Understanding the risks of CIED infection and using preventive measures are critical. It is hoped that emerging technologies will mitigate CIED infection rates.