Displacement and Fracture of Pacemaker Electrode During Physical Exertion

Abstract

Three patients with electrode failure arising during permanent pacemaker treatment for AV block are discussed. The physical capacity of all three was improved after pacemaker implantation. In patients 1 and 3 electrode displacement took place during apple picking and lobster fishing. In patient 2 pacemaker implantation was carried out in connection with the insertion of an aortic ball valve prosthesis. He has later been in functional class I. Electrode fracture took place while he was carrying a 50‐kg flour sack, the central fragment of the electrode being displaced to the right ventricle, where it has remained coiled up for 2 years, the battery and peripheral fragment of the electrode having been removed. Patients with good cardiac function after pacemaker implantation should therefore be warned against vigorous physical exertion which may directly affect the pacemaker system.

Complications with Permanent Endocardial Electrode Systems

“…The fracture must be ascribed to this trauma. Most of the clectrode is lying coiled up in the right ventricle m d has after 6 years not given any further complications (6). In the 4th patient with an Elema 288/B62 electrode, fracture suddenly occurred after 6 months.…”

A Rare Case of Complete Fragmentation of Pacemaker Lead after a High-Velocity Theme Park Ride

“…Pacemaker lead fracture due to physical exertion is an uncommon albeit recognized cause of lead malfunction. [ 3 ]. Few cases of traumatic lead fracture due to blunt chest trauma [ 4 ] and weight lifting due to crush injuries between clavicle and the first rib have been reported [ 5 ].…”