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[Perforating epicardial lead: atypical evolution]
J L Moríñigo1, P L Sánchez, F Martín
1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínico de Salamanca.
Abstract:
Endocarditis related to pacemaker lead is a rare complication of permanent transvenous pacing, of which the diagnosis is carried out with the presence of verrucae in echocardiography and positive blood cultures, its treatment being mixed -medical and surgical- because the isolated medical treatment is rarely successful and the lead should be extracted. We present the case of recurrent endocarditis of several years of evolution, in the which it was not possible to extract of the electrode due to the special characteristics of the patiente (epicardial lead perforating into right atrial).
Insights
Pacemaker lead endocarditis is a rare complication. This case highlights recurrent endocarditis where lead extraction was impossible due to lead perforation into the right atrium.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Pacemaker lead endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of permanent transvenous pacing.
- Diagnosis typically involves echocardiographic findings of vegetations and positive blood cultures.
- Treatment usually requires a combination of medical therapy and surgical lead extraction.
Observation:
- This report details a patient with recurrent endocarditis spanning several years.
- The patient had an unusual case involving an epicardial lead perforating into the right atrium.
- Lead extraction was not feasible due to the lead's specific anatomical characteristics.
Findings:
- The recurrent endocarditis persisted despite initial treatments.
- The unique lead placement (perforating into the right atrium) presented a significant challenge for extraction.
- This case underscores the complexities that can arise in managing pacemaker lead endocarditis.
Implications:
- Management of pacemaker lead endocarditis may require tailored approaches when standard extraction is not possible.
- Further research into alternative strategies for managing complex lead-related endocarditis is warranted.
- This case highlights the importance of considering lead anatomy in treatment planning for device-related infections.
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