Wandering Atrial Pacemaker Wire

Abstract

Temporary epicardial pacing, routinely used after cardiac surgery, employs wires anchored to the epicardium allowing removal via traction. In cases of resistance, the temporary wires are cut flush at the skin. We present a rare noninfectious case of a migrated retained temporary pacing wire into the left heart. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Keywords

• cardiac pacemaker
• echocardiography
• imaging
• temporary cardiac pacing
• temporary epicardial pacemaker
• x-ray fluoroscopy