Automated Electronic Alert for the Detection of Infected Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices in Patients with Bacteremia

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality without proper treatment. Early transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has been associated with reduced adverse events and improved one-year survival1,2. However, a recent analysis of the Medicare database demonstrated that fewer than 20% of patients with CIED infection undergo TLE within 30 days of diagnosis3. While the etiology of delay is often multifactorial, a survey of 43 countries in the European Society of Cardiology reported over 50% of physicians felt a deficiency in knowledge and skills to make the diagnosis of CIED infection, and 37% believed ease of access to an extraction center is an important consideration for referral for TLE evaluation4.