Pacemaker rejection

[momson]

My mothers first PM was rejected to to infection and her second is threatening to do the same. She goes in tomorrow for IV antibiotics. What are some questions I can ask the Dr? What are her options?. The Dr. doesn't have high hopes of success in regard to the antibiotics.

[momson]

Thank you for the quick response and sorry for my slow one. As it turned out moms antibiotic treatment was short. Within a day or two of starting the antibiotics the Dr. decided to explant it. The Dr. when asked wasn't familiar with allergy test kits or pacemakers made of different materials other than titanium. I don't know the type of infection. At this time we will looking for a second opinion and perhaps another Dr. Thanks for you response and good luck on your next inplantation. Momson  

[bobad]

Is the infection frank, with redness, swelling, and pus? Or is it a "colonization" type infection with redness and slow erosion only? Frank infections are usually introduced. Colonization type infections are usually auto infections from bacteria living on or just below your skin.

I also had 2 pacemakers removed, and am awaiting a 3rd in a week or 2.

The plan is to use a coated pacemaker, and to implant it more deeply. They will use the operating room rather than a cath lab. Using the operating room supposedly reduces the likelihood of introduced infection. Deeper implantation is supposed to reduce the likelihood of bacteria from hair follicles and sebaceous glands migrating to the pacemaker located only a mm or 2 below the skin.