One stage side-to-side replacement of infected pulse generators and leads.

Infected and contaminated cardiac pulse generators and leads must be removed entirely in order to effect a cure. We have shown through our experience with 68 consecutive cases that explantation of the offending system and replacement of a new device on the opposite side can be safely accomplished in one sitting--a side-to-side replacement--as long as there is appropriate case selection. There were no early or late infections of the new operative site.