**11. Conclusions**

CIED infection is a rare but severe complication. As more complex devices are implanted in patients with more co-morbidities, the infection rate is on the rise. CIED infection should always be considered in device patients with unexplained fever—the presence of *S. aureus* bacteremia is equivalent to a risk of device infection of almost 50%. Once infection is established, renal impairment, old age, and endocarditis are some of the most consistently found predictors of mortality. Although not without lethal risks, device removal is the recommended treatment in all but a few cases and should be performed in designated centers. Combined with antibiotic treatment, this can enable cure rates as high as 97% according to some studies. Reassessment of the original indication should always precede device reimplantation. Intravenous lines and temporary pacing should be avoided if possible and technical alternatives such as leadless pacemakers, subcutaneous defibrillators, and antibiotic device envelopes should be considered as means of reducing risk of reinfection.
