PROSTHESIS-RELATED INFECTIONS: ARTIFICIAL PACEMAKERS

Course overview

Artificial pacemakers are electrophysiologic devices (i.e., devices that provide electrical activity in the body) that provide life-saving assistance for many patients with cardiac dysrhythmias. The generator, the main portion of the device, along with a portion of the leads rests within a surgically created “pocket” of subcutaneous tissue in the upper chest. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of prosthesis-related infections with artificial pacemakers and to aid in caring for the patient with this complication. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.