Staphylococcus bacteremia without evidence of cardiac implantable electronic device infection.

Background: Staphylococcus bacteremia (SB) in the presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) is frequently associated with CIED infection. In patients without clear CIED infection but SB, the role of empirical CIED removal is unclear.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the natural history of SB in the setting of a CIED and the effect of CIED removal on mortality in patients with concurrent SB without evidence of CIED infection.

Prevention and Treatment of Atrioesophageal Fistula Related to Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is an uncommon but devastating complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Even with appropriate recognition and treatment, mortality is greater than 30% in most studies. If AEF is suspected, it is essential to avoid endoscopy and to order immediate cross-sectional imaging.

Detection of high-frequency artifact as a function of pulse generator algorithms and outer-insulation material.

Background: A high rate of malfunction, predominantly intermittent high-frequency artifacts (HFAs), has been recently reported in Abbott Medical Tendril pacing leads.

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of HFAs on Tendril leads using a commonly used comparator lead for a control.

Methods: We reviewed institutional data for Medtronic CapSureFix 5076 and Abbott Medical Tendril pace-sense leads retrospectively.