Reports 1% to 2% infection rates following implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement for arrhythmia, highlighting the need for automated impedance testing devices.
Despite research and development to prevent infections and malfunctions in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), infection rates of ICD implantations are still impactful. According to a study published on 4 Nov. 2022 by Michele Malagù et al., 1%-2% of patients who suffer from arrhythmia and resort to using ICDs (including the newest model ICD-11) have ICD infections [1]. This leads to complications, including signs of pain, erythema, swelling, or discharge on the ICD pocket site as well as fever, systematic infection, and even death if left untreated [2]. Current projects primarily focus on developing biocompatible materials, such as antibiotic-impregnated mesh to reduce the risk of infections [3]. Other studies focus on curing infections should they arise, including removal of the infected ICD [4] and antibiotics treatments that last up to 14-16 weeks [5]. However, neither cases consider the lasting effects of ICD infections on patients.
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Nicolas Xu (2024) studied this question.
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