[Is there an indication for endocarditis prophylaxis in patients with cardiac devices?]

Abstract

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are essential in treating cardiovascular disease, but their infections are serious complications. The number of patients with CIEDs is increasing, as are CIED infection rates and related endocarditis. These infections arise either from contamination during implantation or from secondary infections. Current guidelines do not support prophylactic antibiotics for CIED patients before dental or other invasive procedures, unless the patient has other risk factors (E.g. an artificial heart valve). Patients with fever or signs of a pocket infection should be treated in centers equipped for laser extraction.

Keywords: CIED infections; endocarditis; laser extraction; prophylactic antibiotics.