Artificial Pacemaker Implantation: Effects of Nursing Intervention on Prevention of Infection

Permanent pacemakers have significantly increased survival and improved quality of life for many patients with Brady arrhythmia. The cardiac pacemaker, just as every device implanted into the human body, may be associated with complications after implantation. Depending upon the site involved, pacemaker infections have different presentations and consequences. Skin contamination at the time of surgery can lead to subsequent pacemaker implantation. Erosion of a pacemaker component through the skin may be due to the trauma of pressure on overlying skin with infection as a secondary phenomenon. However, low grade infection persisting from surgical manipulation may result in later erosion through the skin. The nurse’s role in the prevention of infection after pacemaker implantation is of great importance and involves all stages concerning the procedure. Thus, prior, during and following the implantation.