Reducing Implantable Device Infections

Authors

Abstract

Even as Jefferson researchers help advance medical care by developing wholly new treatments, methods and tools, they are also working hard to reduce complications associated with procedures performed by tertiary care centers across the country. Post-procedure infections, in particular, can be a pernicious and costly problem. Clinician-scientists throughout the Jefferson system are pursuing clinical trials that aim to address the problem.

For example, Arnold J. Greenspon, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Jefferson Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, is working to address the problem of infections associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverterdefibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. While any medical device or product implanted in the human body can become infected, hospitals across the country have seen the rate of CIED infection grow faster than that of other types of device implantations. These patients must return to the hospital to have the device removed and to undergo antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, they must have a replacement implanted.

Recommended Citation

(2020) "Reducing Implantable Device Infections," Thomas Jefferson University Research Magazine: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 35.
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/researchmagazine/vol1/iss1/35