Suggest risks after infection

Hi all,
St Jude pace maker was planted in my body in 2000 in Escorts hospital Delhi India, it worked fantastically. In last quarter of 2012 it's battery was replaced. Routine check ups were done.
After battery replacement itching started & same thing was discusses with doctor in every routine checkup. In man 2014 it's stitches get opened & finally doctor told that it's infected & need relocated. I want to know from you guys that who is at fault for this infection & what are the risks involved in this procedure

2 Comments

Common complication

by golden_snitch - 2014-02-06 04:02:12

Hi Sanjiv,

This is no one's fault. Infection is a common risk with implanted devices. When you read the informed consent for a pacemaker implant, it's listed there, so with signing it you declare that you are aware of this risk. And after implant a doctor usually informs you about the signs and symptoms of an infection, about what to watch out for.

You differentiate between system infections and pocket infections. But the management is usually the same. Current guidelines suggest complete hardware removal, so the pacemaker including the leads need to be removed. You'll then be put on I.V. and/or oral antibiotics, probably get a temporary pacemaker implanted, and after a while - I think usually between one and three weeks -, you will get a new permanent pacemaker implanted. There is always the risk that the infection travels with the blood stream into the heart and causes an endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). So, it's really important to use antibiotics.

You'll need patience. This is not going to be a simple replacement surgery, but two surgeries and the time on antibiotics in between those.

There is an interesting article about device infections - the authors reviewed management of patients with infections - at:
http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1138171

Wishing you all the best

Inga

Hi Sanjiv...................

by Tattoo Man - 2014-02-06 05:02:56

.................may I add my comment to Ingas ?

Infections to pacemakers are indeed, far from unusual and seem to come from nowhere. It will almost certainly not be something that you have done .

Unlike so many viral infections that we may contract it seems that when a device is affected the normal antibiotic treatment cannot be garuanteed to succeed. Having had this myself about a year ago I can confirm that, certainly here in the UK,complete removal,..and in my case, a new PM and leads put into my RH shoulder.

As Inga rightly points out,. blood transmitted infection affecting the heart is to be avoided....it is no fun at all

I am sure that all will be fine. Please keep us up to date with your progress.

Best wishes

Tattoo Man

PS there does seem to be a connection between oral hygiene and some cardiac infections, sometimes directed to the heart valves.

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