August 1, 2005
View Full PaperThe Impact of Povidone‐Iodine Pocket Irrigation Use on Pacemaker and Defibrillator Infections
Key Result
Povidone-iodine pocket irrigation did not significantly alter the rate of pocket infections compared to saline irrigation (0.7% vs 0.6%, p=ns) after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation.
Study Design
Type
Cohort (n=2,564)
Structured PICO
Does povidone-iodine pocket irrigation reduce the rate of pocket infection in patients receiving implantable pacemakers or defibrillators?
P
Population
2,564 consecutive patients who received implantable pacemaker or ICD devices between 1994 and 2002.
E
Exposure
Povidone-iodine solution used for pocket irrigation
C
Comparator
Saline used for pocket irrigation
O
Outcome
Rate of pocket infectionsafety
Povidone-iodine irrigation of the subcutaneous pocket does not significantly alter the rates of pocket infection after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation compared to saline irrigation.
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 0.7% vs 0.6%
p-value: p=ns
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infection is a devastating complication of permanent pacemakers (PMs) implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Many implanting physicians commonly use povidone-iodine solution to irrigate the device pocket before implanting the device. We sought to assess if such a measure would alter the rate of infection. METHODS: A total of 2,564 consecutive patients who received implantable PM or ICD devices between 1994 and 2002 were studied. Povidone-iodine was used for pocket irrigation in 53% and saline in 47%. A total of 18 (0.7%) patients developed pocket infections with 0.7% (10/1,359) in povidone-iodine (group I) and 0.6% (8/1,205) in saline (group II) pocket irrigation (p = ns). Groups I and II were studied for various clinical and demographic variables described in the results section. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between groups I and II, respectively. ICDs were most frequently infected than PMs (56% vs 44%). Most (83%) of the devices were dual chamber. Reopening of the pocket for either lead or generator replacement had a higher incidence of infection than new implants (61% vs 39%). There was no difference in the use of preimplantation antibiotic prophylaxis. Late (61%) and deep pocket infections (78%) were more common than early (39%) and superficial infections (22%). Blood cultures were positive in 67% and Staphylococcus aureus was the common most pathogen (50%). The mean duration of antibiotics use after the diagnosis of device infection was 35 +/- 23 days with 72% requiring device explantation. The device was reimplanted on the contralateral side in 56% cases. One patient in each group died due to device infection and related complications. No significant allergy to iodine was seen in either group. CONCLUSION: Povidone-iodine irrigation of the subcutaneous pocket did not alter the rates of pocket infection after pacemaker/defibrillator implantation.