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Intragastric migration of a pacemaker implanted in the pleural space
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
The Japanese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery : Official Publication of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery = Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi
|September 26, 2000
Insights
A pacemaker implanted in an infant
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Intrathoracic pacemaker implantation in infants requires careful consideration of device size.
- Severe scoliosis and occult infections are potential risk factors for pacemaker complications.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with a pacemaker that migrated from the left pleural space into the stomach.
- The migration occurred through the diaphragm, complicated by severe scoliosis and an occult infection.
Findings:
- Pacemaker migration from the thoracic cavity into the gastrointestinal tract is a rare but serious complication.
- The diaphragm served as the pathway for migration, facilitated by spinal deformity and infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the need for meticulous assessment of intrathoracic pacemaker placement in infants.
- Device volume and patient anatomy, including spinal curvature, are critical factors in preventing migration.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for potentially life-threatening complications associated with pacemaker migration.
Abstract:
We have encountered a 12-year-old boy with a pacemaker implanted in the left pleural space during early infancy that migrated into the stomach through the diaphragm due to severe scoliosis and occult infection. The intrathoracic implantation of a pacemaker in an infant should be assessed more carefully, taking the volume of the unit into consideration, because of this potentially life-threatening complication.
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