Retention of semifloating electrode catheter

A semifloating electrode was prophylactically inserted in an 84-year-old man because of the presence of bifascicular block and the suspicion of acute myocardial infarction. After 6 days it was decided to remove the electrode, but its extraction was not possible. This case demonstrates that retention of semifloating electrode, although a rare complication of temporary right ventricular pacing, is more than a theoretical hazard.