Infections of Selected Nonvalvular Cardiovascular Devices
Updated: April 16, 2026
- Infections of prosthetic valves, vascular grafts, cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), and mechanical circulatory support devices are well recognized; infections involving other cardiovascular (CV) devices, however, have received far less attention.
- Nonvalvular CV device infections – including intracardiac devices (e.g., septal closure devices, shunts), intravascular devices (e.g., stents, filters, patches, and monitoring devices), and arteriovenous conduits (e.g., grafts) – are rare but pose substantial clinical challenges due to their life-threatening potential and diagnostic complexity.
- This Science Advisory builds on the 2003 American Heart Association Scientific Statement, “Non-valvular Cardiovascular Device–Related Infections,” highlighting advances in prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and management, summarizing available evidence, and providing expert guidance on knowledge gaps.
Infections of Selected Nonvalvular Cardiovascular Devices
Infections involving nonvalvular cardiovascular devices are uncommon but increasing as device use expands, and they can carry serious consequences if missed. In this video, Writing Group Chair Supavit “Mac” Chesdachai, MD and Vice Chair Larry M. Baddour, MD, FAHA announce the publication of this new science advisory and discuss the evolving device landscape, diagnostic challenges, and key management principles involved in treating patients with infections involving nonvalvular cardiovascular devices.