Leadless pacemakers reduce risk of device-related infection: Review of the potential mechanisms

Heart Rhythm. 2020 Aug;17(8):1393-1397. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.03.019. Epub 2020 Apr 2.

Abstract

Pacemaker-related infections remain a constant concern due to increased risk of patient morbidity and mortality. Although transvenous pacemakers are expected to have an infection rate ranging from 0.77% to 2.08%, no cases of leadless pacemaker infection have been reported in clinical trials enrolling more than 3000 patients. Many potential reasons why leadless pacemakers may be resistant to infection include the absence of a subcutaneous pocket and leads, reduced skin and glove contact, size, location, and device material. This review summarizes the current state of evidence regarding the apparent infection resistance of leadless pacemakers.

Keywords: Cardiac implantable electronic device; Infection; Leadless pacemaker; Micra; Nanostim.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*