Prevention of Cardiac implantable electronic device infections: Update and evaluation of the potential role for capsulectomy or the antibiotic pouch

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections can have devastating implications for patient morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade, the infection rate has risen out of proportion to implant rates, and has prompted the development of innovative solutions designed to reduce infections. The first section of this review provides a summary of the contemporary knowledge regarding the incidence, prevalence, microbiology, and risk factors for cardiac implantable electronic device infections. The second section addresses prevention with an emphasis on the potential role of novel procedural approaches, such as capsulectomy and the antibacterial envelope, in reducing CIED infection.