Faridabad, 12 February, 2026: In a rare and potentially life-threatening cardiac complication, doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad, successfully treated a 58-year-old man suffering from a pacemaker pocket infection that developed six months post its implantation. Such incidents are rare and reported in one in 50 implant cases. The team of doctors led by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Senior Director, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad acted swiftly to remove the infected device and deploy advanced leadless dual-chamber pacemaker, preventing life-threatening complications and ensuring optimal long-term cardiac function.

The patient had undergone pacemaker implant six months ago as he was experiencing repeated episodes of unexplained unconsciousness for several years. However, six months later, signs of infection of pus discharge appeared at the pacemaker pocket, raising serious concern. Investigations including CT scan, ultrasound, pus discharge and blood culture confirmed a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) infection. While pacemaker infections typically occur within the first month and are often linked to pacing wires under the skin, this case stood out because the patient had a newer, wire-free system, making infection far less likely and far more complex to manage.

Traditionally, treatment in such cases require complete pacemaker removal, followed by temporary pacing for nearly two weeks, wound healing, and then re-implantation of a wired pacemaker on the opposite side, leaving patients immobilized and vulnerable to recurrent infections. Instead, the cardiology team chose a more advanced and patient-centric approach. The infected pacemaker was safely explanted, and the patient underwent implantation of a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker - a next-generation technology capable of pacing both chambers of the heart, closely mimicking natural heart rhythm. The minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anesthesia, lasted just 1 to 1.5 hours and eliminated the need for chest pockets or pacing wires, reducing future infection risk.

Giving details of the case, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Senior Director, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad said, “Pacemaker infections can be devastating if not addressed promptly. Earlier leadless pacemakers could pace only one heart chamber, often leading to long-term complications such as breathlessness and progressive heart weakness. The new dual-chamber system ensures near-normal cardiac function, preserving heart strength and significantly improving quality of life. Post-procedure, the patient recovered well, with stable heart function and no recurrence of infection. He was discharged in a stable condition with preserved cardiac performance (LVEF 55–60%). This case highlights how advanced leadless pacing technology can not only save lives but also spare patients prolonged hospitalisation, immobility, and repeat infections.”

Dr Amit Madaan, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad said, “Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) infections, though uncommon, can rapidly escalate into serious systemic complications if not managed in a timely and structured manner. In this case, early diagnosis, prompt device removal, and immediate planning for advanced leadless pacing were critical to preventing sepsis and further cardiac compromise. The availability of dual-chamber leadless pacemaker technology has significantly transformed how we approach such complex scenarios.”

Dr Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad said, “This case reflects Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, patient-centric cardiac care. Successfully managing a rare and high-risk pacemaker infection using advanced dual-chamber leadless technology underscores the strength of our clinical expertise, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Our focus is not just on treating complex conditions, but on restoring patients to a safer, healthier, and more active life.”