Injury to a saphenous vein graft during removal of a temporary epicardial pacing wire electrode

Removal of a temporary atrial epicardial pacemaker electrode damaged a saphenous vein graft. A new blood clot was removed from the damaged graft. The hole was successfully repaired with a polypropylene suture. Pacing wires should be carefully sited and should be removed only when facilities for urgent operation are available.