Multiple pacemaker lead breakages due to clavicle dislocation following clavicle fracture

Abstract

A 58-year-old man undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in his right subcostal area fell from his bed, leading to fracture of the right clavicle. Serial radiographs showed dislocation of the distal clavicle 2 months after the initial fracture. Lead parameters dramatically changed after dislocation of the distal clavicle. Radiography indicated that the device leads seemed to be compressed by the distal clavicle in certain positions of the right upper limb. It was likely that various movements of the right upper limb during his daily life insidiously damaged the device leads, leading to the lead breakages.

Keywords

• Lead breakage
• Clavicle fracture
• Clavicle dislocation