Peripheral Migration of Pacemaker Electrodes

Abstract

A 55-year-old male was admitted with right ileo-femoral phlebitis caused by an unused pacemaker electrode fragment which had migrated from the right subclavian vein to the right iliac vein. Vena cava plication was followed by removal of the electrode fragment and complete resolution of the phlebitis. The exposed metal coil may have contributed to the severe inflammatory reaction.

Extraction of the Inner Coil of a Pacemaker Lead Slid into the Pulmonary Artery

“…Terminal pins for their rigidity and bulk were often regarded as foreign unwanted bodies, supporting the belief that the leads must be cut shortly near the venous entrance, and the remaining lead body secured to the fascia. However, the isodiametric section of the amputated lead may facilitate its sliding with the risk of subsequent migration 6 . The maintenance of the terminal pin allows adequate anchorage of the lead and makes transvenous lead extraction easier, if required at a subsequent date 7 .…”

“…The maintenance of the terminal pin allows adequate anchorage of the lead and makes transvenous lead extraction easier, if required at a subsequent date 7 . Moreover, some authors state that the intact lead must be secured by nonabsorbable suture material 6 like a silk tie. Additionally, as for bipolar leads, care must be taken that the silk ligature around the lead body stabilizes the inner and outer insulators 4 ; transfixing ligation may be preferred 6 .…”

“…Moreover, some authors state that the intact lead must be secured by nonabsorbable suture material 6 like a silk tie. Additionally, as for bipolar leads, care must be taken that the silk ligature around the lead body stabilizes the inner and outer insulators 4 ; transfixing ligation may be preferred 6 . These previous cases and our case pose strong arguments for maintaining an intact lead.…”