ABSTRACT
Over the past several years, the incidence of valvular and nonvalvular infections of the cardiovascular system has increased, prima rily related to the increased use of intracardiac prosthetic devices. The incidence of these infections may continue to be significant with the continued use of antiarrhythmic implantable devices (cardiac pace makers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators) and the use of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to cardiac transplantation [1]. Prosthetic heart valve infections also remain as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In this chapter, we will review the current state of knowledge regarding infections of intracardiac prosthetic devices, highlighting the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, and management of these infections.
