Incidence of cardiac implantable electronic device infections and migrations in Japan: Results from a 129 institute survey

BackgroundWe conducted a survey of the infection burden associated with the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in Japan.MethodsThe institutes were selected using annual device implantation data provided by Medtronic Japan Co., Ltd. The data sampling period was from January 1 to December 31, 2013. Institutes were classified into Group P, at which only pacemakers were implanted, and Group A, at which other CIEDs were implanted. Group P was further classified into three sub-groups by implantation number. The infection rate was compared between groups using logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 129 of 138 institutes responded. The annual infection rate was 1.12% for overall CIEDs. The institute at which 15–29 pacemakers were implanted had a high infection rate (2.11%). No statistically significant difference was observed (adjusted p=0.1131). The overall migration rate was 0.50%. Complete removal of the CIED system was performed in 55.8% of patients who underwent implantation.ConclusionsThis survey was the first on CIED infection and migration in Japan. The CIED infection rate (1.12%) was similar to that previously reported. A high infection rate (2.77%) was observed in the infection experienced institutes.