Treatment and Prevention of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Infections.

An expanded role for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in recent decades reflects an aging population and broader indications for devices, including both primary prevention and management of dysrhythmias. CIED infection is one of the most important device-related complications and has a major impact on mortality, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and cost. Unfortunately, the investigation and management of CIED infection remain complex, often necessitating complete and timely removal of the device and leads in order to eradicate the infection.

Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Task Force Report on Physician Training and Maintenance of Competency for Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Therapies: Executive Summary.

Physicians engaged in cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED)-related practice come from diverse training backgrounds with variable degrees of CIED implant training. The objective of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Task Force on CIED Implant Training was to establish a common structure and content for training programs in CIED implantation, related activities and maintenance of competency. This executive summary presents the essence of the report with key recommendations included, with the complete version made available in a linked supplement.

Classification and Surgical Repair of Injuries Sustained During Transvenous Lead Extraction.

Background: Injuries to cardiac and venous structures during pacemaker and defibrillator lead extraction are serious complications that have been studied poorly. The incidence of these injuries is unknown but likely underestimated. No systematic multicenter review of these injuries or their management has been undertaken.

Early failure of the Biotronik Linox implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead.

Introduction: The Linox and Durata implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads were introduced to British Columbia (BC) in 2008. We determined their performance and the potential risk factors for lead failure in a large population-based patient registry.

Methods And Results: We used the BC Cardiac Registry, a mandatory Governmental database of ICD implants, to identify all recipients of Linox and Durata leads in BC between October 2008 and April 2012, and those subsequently undergoing reoperation.

Lead extraction in the contemporary setting: the LExICon study: an observational retrospective study of consecutive laser lead extractions.

Objectives: This study sought to examine the safety and efficacy of laser-assisted lead extraction and the indications, outcomes, and risk factors in a large series of consecutive patients.

Background: The need for lead extraction has been increasing in direct relationship to the increased numbers of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing transvenous laser-assisted lead extraction at 13 centers were included.

Predictors of recurrence and reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis after valve replacement surgery for native valve endocarditis.

Objective: Surgical treatment of native valve endocarditis remains challenging, especially in cases with paravalvular destruction. Basic principles include complete debridement and reconstruction. This study is designed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical reconstruction of complex annular endocarditis using standard techniques and materials, including autologous and bovine pericardium.