Newly developed systolic murmur in patients with a transvenous pacemaker

We encountered four cases in which a transvenous cardiac pacemaker produced a systolic musical murmur in the absence of any complications. This systolic murmur appeared only when the pacing was being cut off and disappeared soon after the pacing had been turned on. Although the exact mechanism of production of the murmur remains uncertain, several possible mechanisms for its occurrence are discussed. It is apparent from this study that a systolic murmur can newly occur without any obvious cause in patients with a transvenous pacemaker.     

Safe right bundle branch block pattern during permanent right ventricular pacing

It is known that an electrocardiogram (ECG) after transvenous right ventricular (RV) pacing should yield left bundle branch block (LBBB) QRS patterns. When right bundle branch block (RBBB) pacing morphology appears in a patient with a permanent or temporary transvenous RV pacemaker, myocardial perforation or malposition of the pacing lead must be ruled out, even though the patient may be asymptomatic. We report a case of a 77-year-old man who underwent permanent transvenous VDD pacemaker implantation for symptomatic heart block. The postoperative ECG revealed a RBBB pacing configuration, but his chest X-ray and echocardiographic studies confirmed uncomplicated RV pacing. We review and discuss the literature concerning the differential diagnosis of such a safe RBBB ECG pattern.     

Early pacemaker lead thrombosis leading to massive pulmonary embolism

Clinically apparent pulmonary embolism is a rare complication of permanent transvenous pacing catheters. Here we report an unusual case of a 71-year-old man who developed massive pulmonary embolism 12 hours after a permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation in the absence of any patient-related predisposing factor. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a large thrombus within the right atrium closely attached to the pacemaker lead. Anticoagulation with heparin, followed by warfarin therapy, led to a complete resolution of the thrombus.     

Pacemaker-induced cardiovascular failure. Hemodynamic and angiographic observations

A 71 year old woman underwent permanent transvenous right ventricular pacemaker implantation for prolonged syncope and atrioventricular conduction defects. Each time the patient's heart rate spontaneously decreased to less than 70 beats/min, cardiovascular collapse with hypotension and reduced cardiac output occurred. Left ventricular cineangiography performed during both sinus rhythm and right ventricular pacing demonstrated reduced left ventricular end-diastolic volume, secondary to a loss of atrial contribution to left ventricular filling, and severe, acute mitral regurgitation with significantly decreased effective stroke volume and cardiac output. Pacing from the left ventricular endocardium had the same effect. The detrimental effects of cardiac pacing necessitated removal of the right ventricular pacemaker.     

Permanent pacing in a patient with tricuspid prosthesis – Widening therapeutic use of coronary sinus

Unconventional sites are being used for pacing in patients with inaccessible right ventricle like single ventricle, atresia of tricuspid valve and in anomalous venous drainage. Here we report a case in which the right ventricle could not be accessed due to the metallic prosthesis. A 41-year-old lady required triple valve replacement for rheumatic involvement. Permanent pacemaker implantation was done with epicardial lead for bradycardia post operatively. Pulse generator change was needed within 3 years as the pacemaker reached end of life due to high lead threshold. Subsequent pacemaker implantation was done with a left ventricular lead in coronary sinus by percutaneous approach. One year after implantation, the threshold remains stable. Coronary sinus can be utilized for permanent pacing in patients with inaccessible right ventricle due to prosthetic tricuspid valve.     

Leadless Pacemaker Implantation for a Super-elderly Woman with a Mediastinal Tumor

A 95-year-old woman with no cardiac history presented with symptomatic complete atrioventricular block. She underwent temporary cardiac pacing via the cervical vein, but a pacing lead could not be introduced via the usual route because of a mediastinal tumor. A leadless pacemaker (Micra™; Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) was implanted at the right ventricular septum via the right femoral vein. The procedure time was 40 minutes, with no complications noted. Over the two-year follow-up period, the threshold and impedance remained stable. The implantation of a leadless pacemaker was useful for improving the symptoms of a super-elderly woman with a mediastinal tumor.     

间隔部主动固定电极对老年患者心功能的影响

目的探讨右室间隔部（RVS）主动固定电极对植入永久起搏器的老年患者心功能的影响。方法入选78例植入永久起搏器的老年患者,分为RVS起搏组（实验组,植入主动固定电极,n=42）和右室心尖部（RVA）起搏组（对照组,植入被动固定电极,n=36）,以超声心动图评价两组术前、术后6个月左室缩短率（FS）、每搏输出量（SV）、心输出量（CO）、左室射血分数（LVEF）、E／AI：L值的差异。结果术前两组心功能状况无明显差异（P〉0．05）。术后6个月,RVS起博组与术前相比较,FS、SV、CO、EF、E／A虽有下降趋势,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;RVA起博组在术后6个月FS与对照组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,但SV、CO、EF、E／A均高于RVS起博组（P〈0．05）。两组起搏阈值、感知、阻抗起搏比例及平均心率等差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论RVS起搏对患者心功能的影响优于右室心尖部起搏。     

Permanent pacing using a coronary sinus lead in a patient with univentricular physiology: an extended application of biventricular pacing technology.

In the past, patients requiring permanent pacing with difficult right ventricular (RV) access were usually subjected to epicardial pacing by a surgical approach. This report describes a young patient with univentricular physiology following repeated palliative surgery for complex congenital heart disease. The patient had symptomatic complete heart block and a dual chamber pacemaker with transvenous atrial and ventricular leads was implanted successfully. The ventricle was paced through the posterolateral cardiac vein with a lead specially designed for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This case illustrates an extended application of the recently developed coronary sinus lead in selected patients, when conventional RV endocardial pacing is impossible.     

Biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator use in a patient with heart failure and ventricular tachycardia secondary to Emery-Dreifuss syndrome.

We report a case of fully transvenous single-unit biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) use in a 43-year-old woman with a manifesting carrier form of muscular dystrophy (Emery-Dreifuss syndrome). The indication for biventricular ICD use was progressive heart failure with ventricular arrhythmia, permanent atrial fibrillation and previous VVIR pacemaker insertion. Single-unit transvenous biventricular ICD implantation was undertaken without complication. No potentially serious device malfunction was noted during subsequent follow-up. We conclude that single-unit biventricular ICD implantation is feasible for pacing and ventricular tachyarrhythmia control in patients with underlying atrial fibrillation.     

Late pulmonary embolization of a retained pacemaker electrode fragment after attempted transatrial extraction

Embolization of pacemaker electrode fragments into the pulmonary circulation is a rare complication following transvenous pacemaker implantation. One such case is reported here. In a 67-year-old patient, a battery pocket infection developed after transvenous pacemaker implantation and subsequent surgical revision. After removal of the pacemaker and ventricular pacing lead, the atrial lead broke within the superior vena cava when prolonged traction was applied after frustrating attempts to extract the electrode. Attempts to extract the fragment transvenously using endoscopic forceps were unsuccessful. Due to firm fixation of the electrode by extensive fibrous scar tissue in the atrial wall, a further attempt to remove the retained electrode fragment by atriotomy also failed. On the first postoperative day, the fragment migrated to the left pulmonary artery, from where it was successfully extracted by means of a Dormier basket.     

Right ventricular perforation by screw-in lead after permanent pacemaker implantation: a case report

A 93-year-old man received a permanent implanted pacemaker(VVI mode) to treat completed atrioventricular block in our hospital. However, pacing failure appeared 4 days later. Computed tomography showed right ventricular perforation by the screw-in lead. There was no evidence of cardiac tamponade or symptoms, so we inserted another lead into the right ventricular outflow tract without removing the first lead. This patient still has the pacing lead that perforated the right ventricle, so careful observation will be needed even after discharge.     

永久性起搏器埋藏术后感染的处理

本文介绍了一例永久性起搏器埋藏术后严重感染病人在保留导管电极于体内的条件下,成功地控制感染并在原处再度埋藏的新方法和体会。     

Surgical treatment of ventricular and pericardial perforation by a permanent pacing lead: a case report

An 83-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital because of pacing failure and suspected ventricular perforation by a permanent pacing lead. She had undergone permanent pacemaker implantation 5 months previously. Chest radiography showed the pacing lead running out of the cardiac shadow. Computed tomography and echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of ventricular perforation by the pacing lead. No evidence of cardiac tamponade was found. The lead was surgically removed through a median sternotomy. Intraoperatively, the lead was found perforating the ventricle and the pericardium, and reaching into the left pleural cavity but not injuring the left lung. A pacing lead may potentially injure the heart or the lung. Regular check-up of lead position and pacing status is recommended.     

Emergency trans-oesophageal ventricular pacing in a child

We report our experience with an 8-year-old boy with complete atrioventricular block and syncopal bradycardia who required urgent pacing. Each attempt to cross the tricuspid valve with a femoral lead triggered ventricular standstill, followed by fibrillation, and pacing through the coronary sinus failed. Successful ventricular pacing was finally achieved through the oesophagus, allowing subsequent implantation of a transvenous pacemaker.     

Characteristics of patients with cervical spinal injury requiring permanent pacemaker implantation

Acute cervical spinal cord injury frequently results in bradydysrhythmia, which may lead to hypotension and asystole. Such symptoms are more common in the first 2 weeks after the injury. Treatment modalities include atropine, epinephrine, aminophylline, and pacemaker insertion. The criteria for pacemaker use in this population are not well defined. We describe characteristics of 3 patients who required permanent, transvenous pacemaker implantation for recurrent symptoms. In 2 of the 3 patients, transcutaneous pacing failed to provide adequate protection. Transcutaneous pacemakers are not reliable, as was the case of these patients, and early consideration for transvenous pacemaker insertion may be indicated, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients. In this report, all 3 patients required permanent pacemaker implantation.     

二维斑点追踪纵向应变评价不同部位右心室起搏患者心脏收缩同步性

目的利用二维斑点追踪超声纵向应变比较不同部位右心室起搏对左心室收缩不同步性的影响。方法有双腔起搏器植入指征的无器质性心脏病变患者共60例,按1:1随机数表法随机分为两组,根据分组结果分别将右心室电极植入右心室流出道间隔部(right ventricular outflow tract septum,RVOTs)及右心室心尖(right ventricular apex,RVA)。术后起搏器程控并保证心室完全起搏后,进行二维斑点超声成像分析,记录左心室收缩时纵向应变达峰时间的最大差(LS-TD)。结果 RVA组左心室收缩时纵向应变最大差大于RVOT组,差异有统计学意义[(161.6±43.9)ms vs.(74.3±13.7)ms,P<0.001]。结论二维斑点追踪超声纵向应变结果显示RVOT起搏时的左心室收缩同步性优于RVA起搏。     

Rare association of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and complete atrioventricular block with prompt disappearance of outflow gradient after DDD pacing.

Although arrhythmias are common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), complete atrioventricular (AV) block is very unusual. A 27-year-old female presented with a recent history of syncope and exercise intolerance. ECG demonstrated complete AV block. Two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography revealed HCM with a 60 mmHg left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient. A temporary transvenous ventricular pacemaker was inserted urgently, and subsequently replaced by a permanent DDD pacemaker. All symptoms were eliminated. This symptomatic improvement was associated with complete disappearance of LVOT gradient at the time of implantation. No gradient was observed during early follow-up and at 6 months after DDD pacemaker implantation.     

Left ventricular guidewire pacing for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Previous reports prove the safety and efficacy of cardiac pacing employing a guidewire in the left ventricle as unipolar pacing electrode. We describe the use of left ventricular guidewire pacing as an alternative to conventional transvenous temporary right ventricular pacing in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Persistent left-sided superior vena cava--a pacing challenge

A left sided superior vena cava (LSVC) occurs in 0.3% of the population. LSVC normally drains into the right atrium through a dilated coronary sinus. We illustrate two cases of dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation by using (1) left subclavian vein in a 35-year-old woman with symptomatic Mobitz type II atrioventricular block; and (2) right subclavian vein in a 64-year-old man who was hospitalized with bradycardia, complete heart block, and alternating bundle branch block. After accessing the subclavian vein, the pacing leads were advanced into the LSVC, which was situated to the left of the vertebral column in the mediastinum. The leads followed the course of the LSVC medially before entering into the right atrium. Once inside the right atrium, the ventricular lead made a U-turn towards the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle by shaping the stylet, and it was helped by right atrial contraction. An active fixation atrial lead was used in both cases to secure a satisfactory location within the right atrium. A small volume of contrast can be injected into the pacing sheath to visualize the coronary sinus opening into the right atrium, and the right ventricle. Fluoroscopy in oblique views can be helpful in guiding the atrial lead into the anteriorly positioned atrial appendage. In emergency transvenous ventricular temporary pacing where the subclavian or internal jugular vein is used, it is important to recognize the presence of a LSVC. The lead should first be directed into the right atrium and then looped back into the right ventricle. Excessive force must be avoided to prevent cardiac perforation and tamponade. If this is not successful, access through a femoral vein should be attempted.     

Adverse events with transvenous left ventricular pacing in patients with severe heart failure: early experience from a single centre.

AIMS: Assessment of complications following implantation of transvenous ventricular electrodes to pace the left ventricle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with severe cardiac failure and left bundle branch block were prospectively followed for adverse effects of implantation of a left ventricular transvenous pacing system. Immediate follow-up was associated with loss of left ventricular pacing in nine patients (32%). This was due to lead dislodgement in four cases (corrected by re-operation in three of these cases), and due to increased threshold in five cases (corrected by programming a higher pacing amplitude in all five cases, but with intermittent diaphragmatic contraction in one case). After 1 month, one patient died, one patient with severe coronary heart disease suffered a myocardial infarction, and left ventricular pacing was lost in two patients. Pericardial effusion, new significant ventricular arrhythmias or other adverse effects were not observed. After a mean follow-up of 16 +/- 9.2 months, pacing leads remained stable and no late complications related to the transvenous left ventricular epicardial pacing were observed. CONCLUSION: Placement of a permanent lead in a tributary of the coronary sinus is feasible without serious adverse effects during the first month. The only frequent adverse event was lead dislodgement; a finding which emphasizes the need for development of specially designed leads for this application.