Pacemaker Club: CRT-D site infection

CRT-D site infection

by Rob42
2023-03-31 07:43:59
Complications
626 views
4 comments

I had my CRT-D replaced last November and since then I have had 3 flair ups of infection in the implant site. So they are now going to monitor the next flair up which more than likely will occur in the next few days now that I finished the antibiotics. So they are talking about a site change and system swap out which includes the three leads. One lead has been in for 14 years and the other 2 for 7 years. Admittedly the lead swap out was a bit of a suprise and worrying!

My question is has anyone else gone through this procedure?

4 Comments

extraction

by Tracey_E - 2023-03-31 09:08:44

If you do a search (tiny icon upper right corner), extraction comes up fairly often. Once upon a time it was risky but done by someone experience it's become routine.

If they can't get the infectino under control, removing the hardware is the right decision. You can't risk the infection going down the leads into the heart.

extraction

by Julros - 2023-03-31 12:30:05

Hi Rob,

i needed my pacer upgraded to an ICD and a coil placed and I opted to have my RV lead extracted, despite the fact that my subclavian vein was scarred around it. They were prepared to use a laser if needed, but were able to extract it using a cutting catheter. It was done at a university hospital and went quite smoothly. They had a cardiothoracic surgeon standing by just in case. I felt well cared for.

So sorry

by Lavender - 2023-03-31 20:30:14

Sorry to hear of your concern and worry. It's enough just having the pacemaker let alone having infection. Let's pray the infection is gone for good. If not, then may your re-placement go smoothly. ❤️‍🩹☮️

Infection

by islandgirl - 2023-04-03 00:18:13

I dealt with an infection in December but it never was in my blood. The surgeon (cardiiothoracic) removed the new device and cleaned out the chest cavity and reinserted the device, and in the tissue samples that were removed/flushed, 2 samples grew bacteria that allowed me to be put on appropriate antibiotics. I took antibiotics specific for that infection for about 6 weeks and I seem to remain infection free (incision finally closed). Is an infectious disease team also involved? Is the infection in your blood?

Good luck!