Implanting a cardiac electronic device inside of an antibacterial envelope has been shown to reduce the risk of surgical site infections by 80 percent, according to research presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 36th Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.
Cardiac implantable electronic device infections are associated with substantial mortality and cost. An analysis of two clinical trials of patients implanted with these devices was performed to evaluate the impact of the TYRX Antibacterial Envelope. The results showed a low rate of SSI 12 months after surgery compared with a similar group of patients who did not receive the pouch.
"Clinical studies show that the use of the TYRX Envelope is associated with a significant reduction in implant-related cardiac device site infections," Charles A. Henrikson, MD, chief of electrophysiology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, said in a statement. "These new findings reveal that the TYRX Envelope decreases the rate of infections that can occur within the first year after implantation. This is very good news for patients, especially given the associated mortality and costs tied to CIED infection."
The envelope is designed the hold the CIED and releases two antimicrobial agents over a minimum of seven days following surgery.