Surgical Techniques, Complications, and Long-Term Health Effects of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 13; no. 1; p. e13001
• Main Authors: Richardson, Crystal J, Prempeh, John, Gordon, Kyle S, Poyser, Tracy-Ann, Tiesenga, Frederick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus 30.01.2021
• Subjects: Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery; Cardiology; Medical Education; cardiac implantable electronic device (cied); postoperative complication; permanent pacemaker implantation (ppm); cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator; implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; long-term care
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13001

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) has helped with advanced technological improvement in the cardiac field and has been a long-term alternative to medical management. There are different forms of CIEDs such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. These devices are efficient in establishing near-normal hemodynamics and circulation that ultimately aid physicians to improve the quality of life for their patients. However, there are risk factors that can result in postoperative complications, including infection, lead and pulse generator complications, heart complications, medication-related complications, and psychosocial complications. To ensure optimal outcome of CIED placement, preprocedural measures need to be in place such as matching the right candidate and using appropriate devices. This review aims to highlight the surgical techniques for CIEDs, the associated postoperative complications, and long-term health effects.