In today's episode, we are joined by Bruce Wilkoff, MD, American Heart Association volunteer expert and Director Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices at Cleveland Clinic, to discuss Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices, "CIED". Tune in to learn more about CIED infections and the health crisis associated with these devices and infections. Dr. Wilkoff addresses the risks of infection compared to the risks of extraction and what preventable measures are in place to ensure the safety of patients. This episode is sponsored by the American Heart Association and supported by Philips Image Guided Therapy.
Summary
Tackling Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections with Dr. Bruce Wilkoff
Introduction
In today's episode, we are joined by Bruce Wilkoff, MD, American Heart Association volunteer expert and Director Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices at Cleveland Clinic, to discuss Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED). Tune in to learn more about CIED infections and the health crisis associated with these devices and infections. Dr. Wilkoff addresses the risks of infection compared to the risks of extraction and what preventable measures are in place to ensure the safety of patients.
Identifying CIED Infections
Dr. Wilkoff talks about the potential infections with implantable electronic devices, and how healthcare providers can identify them before they become a larger problem. He mentions that infections can occur where the can is itself, and that the risk of infection goes up as time goes on. Healthcare providers should look for changes in the skin over the chest, such as redness or swelling, as well as fevers or chills. He also advises patients to come back for follow-up visits at least once a year, and encourages them to take pictures to compare from one visit to the next in order to detect any changes.
Treating CIED Infections
CIEID infections are not rare and they're very dangerous, but they can be treated if the right steps are taken. It's important for healthcare providers and patient advocates to get the message out that the risk of extraction is small compared to the risk of infection, and that antibiotics alone won't cure the infection.
Sponsorship and Support
This episode is sponsored by the American Heart Association and supported by Philips Image Guided Therapy.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 09/14/2022 and can be listened here.
Subscribe to Beckers Healthcare Podcast here.