Cardiovascular implantable device infections.

As life expectancy continues to increase and biotechnology advances, the use of cardiovascular implantable devices will continue to rise. Unfortunately, despite modern medical advances, the infection and mortality rates remain excessively elevated. This article reviews the pathophysiology and general concepts of cardiac device-related infections, including the physical and chemical characteristics of the medical device, host response to the medical device, and the microbiologic virulence factors. Infections of the most commonly utilized cardiovascular implantable devices, including cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, bioprosthetic and mechanical valves, ventricular assist devices, total artificial hearts, and coronary artery stents, are reviewed in detail.