DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Use of TYRX, Inc.’s AIGISRx® Antibacterial Envelope significantly reduced device infection rates in patients at high risk for device infection who received cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implants, according to a study presented today at Heart Rhythm 2013, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 34th Annual Scientific Sessions.
Suneet Mittal, MD, FHRS and his colleagues from the Arrhythmia Institute, Valley Health System, and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, conducted the study of device infections in the 6 months following pacemaker, ICD, or cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT) implantation with, or without, the AIGISRx Antibacterial Envelope.
These researchers used propensity score matching to compare the incidence of device infection in 275 patients who received a CIED with the antibacterial envelope in November 2009-September 2011, versus 275 matched patients who received a CIED without the antibacterial envelope in January 2007-October 2009, prior to use of the antibacterial envelope at the study sites.
Key findings of the study included:
- Patients who received the antibacterial envelope had a higher prevalence of patient and procedure characteristics associated with CIED infections than patients who did not receive the antibacterial envelope.
- In the propensity score matched cohorts there were significantly fewer CIED infections in the cohort with the antibacterial envelope (3 infections /275 patients (1.1%) vs. 10 infections / 275 patients without the antibacterial envelope (3.6%; P=0.048).
- Use of the antibacterial envelope was associated with a 70% reduction in CIED infections in patients at high risk for device infection.
“The burden of CIED infections is increasing over time and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, along with prolonged hospital stays and high costs,” stated Dr. Mittal.” “Our data suggest that the AIGISRx Antibacterial Envelope has an important overall role in high-risk patients undergoing a CIED procedure.”
This study was funded by a research grant from TYRX, Inc.
About Heart Rhythm Society
Heart Rhythm 2013 is the most comprehensive educational program for heart rhythm professionals, featuring more than 250 educational sessions and more than 130 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. The Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions have become the must-attend event of the year, allowing the exchange of new vital ideas and information among colleagues from every corner of the globe.
About TYRX, Inc.
TYRX, Inc. commercializes innovative, implantable combination drug+device products focused on infection control, including the AIGISRx® Antibacterial Envelope, designed to reduce surgical site infections associated with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs). AIGISRx products contain the antimicrobial agents, rifampin and minocycline, which have been shown to reduce infection by pathogens responsible for the majority of CIED infections, including “superbugs” such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).*
For more information, please visit www.TYRX.com or www.HeartDeviceInfection.com.
*Data on file at TYRX and published Hansen et al. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2009; 32(7):898-907.
