Subacute right ventricular perforation from a passive fixation pacemaker lead - a multidisciplinary diagnostic and management work-up

Abstract

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation procedure has a complication rate of 5-6% according to most studies. Lead perforation is a possible and serious adverse event which can present with a spectrum of symptoms from asymptomatic to sudden death. Diagnostic tools in case of suspected lead perforation are X-ray, transthoracic echocardiography, pacemaker interrogation and computed tomography with the last one being the gold standard. Lead extraction could be done endovascularly or surgically. Transvenous removal is a possible option for active fi xation leads, while removal of passive fi xation leads is preferably done surgically, because of the bulky tip of the lead, which could damage the heart chambers and the vessels. In this article, we present a case of a massive ventricular perforation from a passive fi xation lead, further complicated by a cardiac tamponade. Surgical removal was the treatment of choice with subsequent implantation of a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker. 

Keywords

• pacemaker
• lead extraction
• perforation
• surgery