SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF AN INFECTED IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR WITH ORAL ANTIBIOTICS AND WITHOUT REMOVAL OF THE DEVICE

Infection of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator developed 2 wee ks after implantation, presenting with fever, swelling, redness, and t enderness of the skin above the generator site. A cloxacillin resistan t coagulase-negative staphylococcus rr as repeatedly cultured from the abdominal wall pocket fluid. The infection rt as successfully treated with a combination of two antibiotics, fusidic acid and rifampin, giv en orally for 3 months. Although the device was not removed, infection did not recur during a 24-month follow-up.