Cerebral Embolism Due to Left Ventricular Pacemaker Lead: Removal with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Malposition of a cardiac pacemaker lead within the left ventricle represents a source of early and late thromboembolic complications. We report a case of cerebral embolism, caused by an inadvertently misplaced left ventricular electrode, occurring 3 years after implantation. The lead was removed via a transaortic approach with extracorporeal circulation.     

Pseudo-fracture of Pacemaker Lead Due to Securing Suture: A Case Report

With improved pacemaker lead design and materials, complications caused by lead problems have decreased.^4,5 There have been isolated reports of leads severed by suture material but they have been rare. Presented is a case of suture-induced "pseudo-fracture" in a urethane-insulated ventricular lined endocardial lead (Medtronic Model #6971-58). No loss of capture or sensing function has been encountered eight months following initial implantation. It is felt that the softer, stronger urethane permitted compression and resulted in a radiographic suggestion of a fractured lead, but lead integrity does not seem to have compromised. Although (his may be an inconsequential radiographic finding, it could lead to an inappropriate lead removal unless it is properly interpreted. (PACE, Vol. 4, November-December, 1981)     

Peripheral Pulmonary Migration of a Retained Pacemaker Lead

We report a case of lead migration into the right middle pulmonary lobe. The migrated electrode reached the pleura and produced severe pleural symptoms. Due to the symptoms, surgical removal of the retained lead was required.     

头臂干血栓致脑栓塞1 例报道

目的讨论头臂干血栓致脑栓塞的临床特点及诊治策略。方法报道1 例头臂干血栓所致急性脑栓塞患者的临床表现、影像学特征及诊治方法。结果同时存在右侧前后脑循环区域多发急性脑梗死;胸主动脉超声提示头臂干处存在随心动周期活动的血栓团块;抗凝药物是其主要治疗方法。结论对急性右侧前后脑动脉循环多发脑梗死患者需积极进行胸主动脉超声检查以观察头臂干部位血管状况,对存在头臂干血栓者应立即采用抗凝治疗。     

A Complication of Pacemaker Lead Extraction: Paradoxical Embolism of a Lead Fragment in a Leg Artery

Extraction of three chronically implanted pacemaker leads was performed via the implant vein in a 71-year-old man. One of the leads broke in the subclavian scar tissue. The lead fragment migrated into the left peroneotibial trunk artery. Transesophageal echocardiography showed patent foramen ovale associated with right-to-left atrial shunt. This complication of lead extraction is discussed along with the role of echocardiography prior to lead removal.     

Pacemaker Lead Fracture Due to Twiddler's Syndrome

The authors report a case of pacemaker twiddler's syndrome that led to lead fracture and loss of consciousness. The role of chest X rays in the diagnosis of pacemaker twiddler's syndrome as well as the management of the syndrome is discussed.     

Left Ventricular Lead Fracture 6 Years after Implantation with a Retained Guidewire

We reported a case that left ventricular (LV) lead with retained guidewire was used 6 years ago, but the LV lead was broken during 6 years of follow‐up. Although the retained guidewire technique has already been abandoned, the long‐term safety of retained guidewire lead appears to be an even greater concern.     

Presumptive Tricuspid Valve Malfunction Induced by a Pacemaker Lead: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 23-year-old woman developed 3 degrees AV block with syncope. Insertion of a permanent pacemaker lead was followed by the onset of a persistent murmur in late systole preceded by single or multiple clicks. The murmur was best heard at the left sternal edge, grade 3-4/6 with two major frequencies (60-250 Hz), increased with inspiration and on assuming the erect posture. It was considered to be tricuspid in origin and related to interference of the tricuspid valve apparatus by the pacemaker lead resulting in tricuspid regurgitation. No tricuspid valve prolapse or flutter was seen on echocardiography. Withdrawal of the pacemaker lead resulted in immediate disappearance of the new auscultatory findings. Review of the literature suggests that the appearance of such a murmur following pacemaker insertion could be associated with later complications in relation to tricuspid valve dysfunction. It is therefore recommended that, under these circumstances, permanent pacemaker leads should be appropriately repositioned.     

颈部针刺治疗急性期脑梗塞95例

本文采用在常规治疗基础上加颈部针刺疗法治疗急性期脑梗塞病人95例。结果发现其神经功能缺损评分有了明显减少，其基本痊愈率、总有效率明显高于采用常规治疗的对照组（P＜0．01），认为颈部针刺不失为一种简便有效的脑梗塞治疗方法，值得推广应用。     

Impending Paradoxical Embolism: A Case Report

Background

A thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale (i.e., impending paradoxical embolism) is a very rare event. Most cases have been reported at autopsy only after finding a patent foramen ovale and arterial emboli. Patent foramen ovale in the population is common.

Objectives

The objective of this case report is to remind physicians that common presentations can have uncommon causes. Some of these uncommon causes are easy to find and may significantly change outcomes if treated early.

Case Report

We present the case of a dyspneic patient with concomitant pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and impending paradoxical embolism. Emergency Physicians should be aware that dyspnea may be the only initial symptom. Although dyspnea may be linked to a pulmonary embolus, it may not represent the entire clinical picture. A thrombus formed within a patent foramen ovale portends the possibility of a larger pulmonary embolus and an arterial embolus.

Conclusion

Early detection of an impending paradoxical embolism may result in an improved outcome. Treatment choices consist of anticoagulation, thrombectomy, or thrombolysis. Choice of treatment is difficult but should be made quickly to reduce the possibility of adverse patient outcomes.     

Lead Dislodgment of a Permanent Pacemaker Due to Removal of a Temporary Pacing Electrode

A 63-year-old male received a transvenous temporary pacemaker for bradyarrhythmia following mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty. A transvenous permanent pacemaker was implanted the following day due to persistence of the bradyarrythmia and pacemaker dependency of the patient. Later the same day during removal of the temporary pacing electrode the permanent pacing lead was dislodged and had to be operatively repositioned. To avoid this complication, the position of pacemaker leads should be checked postoperatively with a frontal and lateral chest radiograph, and fluoroscopy should be used during removal of a temporary lead.     

A Case of Pacemaker Lead Fracture Associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

A pacemaker lead fracture in the left subclavian vein was caused by compression of the clavicle and the first rib; subsequent coil elongation at the same site on the right side was observed in the replacement lead in a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome. Venography showed narrowing of the subclavian vein at the site where the lead abnormalities were observed. This case illustrates that a lead in the subclavian vein can be easily damaged when a patient has thoracic outlet syndrome.     

Extraction of an Intravascularized Pacemaker Lead—A New Approach to an Unusual Problem

A new catheter approach to removing an intravuacularized, nonfunctional pacemaker lead which was fixed at both distal (right ventricular endocardium) and proximal (brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava) ends is described. This case also emphasizes the need for removal of an old pacemaker lead that caused bacteremia in a patient with a prosthetic aortic valve even when infection was presumed to be cured.     

起搏器心房电极脱位伴心室电极断裂1例

患者男,60岁,因病窦综合征于2001年6月在我院安置DDD永久起搏器,起搏器及电极均为美国ST.JudeMedical公司生产,型号为5320。术后经多次检测,起搏器呈DDD正常工作方式。     

Runaway Pacemaker. A Case Report with a Runaway Rate of 2100 ppm

A case of runaway pulse generator is described. A Vitalith C-23 developed runaway on the 13th postoperative day, without any preceding changes in the rate or amplitude of the pulse generator spike. The rate of runaway was 2100 pulses per minute (ppm), one of the highest rates ever reported. The ventricle was not captured by the runaway pulse generator, but was paced effectively by a temporary demand pacemaker (Medtronic 5880A) which was left in case of displacement of the implanted pacing lead. The reasons why the temporary pacemaker was not inhibited are discussed.     

Malfunction of an Active Fixation J-Shaped Screw-In Atrial Electrode Lead: A Case Report

Active fixation leads, using active grasping devices, ensure good postoperative lead fixation, long-term performance, and make possible later lead removal on demand. However, these delicate designs have not been without practical difficulties. We present two cases of fixation stylet fracture during helix extension and retraction maneuver respectively with resultant lead inoperability and abandonment. The fixed leads could be removed by torquing the entire lead counterclockwise.     

Lodged Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Lead: A Case Report

▪ Abstract:   We present a case report in which spinal cord stimulator trial lead became lodged in the posterior lumbar soft tissue. The lead could not be removed even with moderate force or with spine in the flexed position. Radiologic evaluation revealed that edge of metallic lead was wedged into the soft tissue. We were able to remove the lead only after placing the patient in an extreme tuck position (knee-to-chest); thus possibly avoiding surgical intervention. ▪     

Atrial Lead Dislodgement with a DDD Pacemaker

A 48-year-old man with previous aortic valve surgery and aortic root repair had a DDD pacemaker inserted (using transvenous leads) for the treatment of complete heart block. An atrial J active fixation electrode was used. Four weeks following implantation the patient returned with an unusual electrocardiographic rhythm demonstrating two separate QRS morphologies. Both PA and lateral chest x-ray failed to demonstrate a change in lead position. The MARKER CHANNEL of the DDD pulse generator confirmed that the alternating QRS morphologies were due to atrial lead dislodgement. Although uncommon, displacement of atrial active fixation leads may occur and lead to unusual electrocardiographic rhythms. Use of a MARKER CHANNEL may aid in the diagnosis.