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Inadvertent malposition of a transvenous pacing lead in the left ventricle
A Engström1, B Holmberg, A Månsson
1Medicinkliniken, Hjärtsektionen Kalmar Länssjukhus, Lasarettsvägen, 391 85 Kalmar, Sweden.
Insights
A pacemaker lead was mistakenly placed in the left ventricle via an open foramen ovale and mitral valve. The patient was anticoagulated and the lead remained in place without complications for 16 months.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Pacemaker lead placement is a common cardiac procedure.
- Accidental malpositioning can lead to significant complications.
Observation:
- A pacemaker lead was inadvertently advanced into the left ventricle.
- The lead traversed an open foramen ovale and the mitral valve.
Findings:
- The patient received anticoagulation therapy.
- The malpositioned lead was intentionally left in situ.
- No clinical complications were observed during a 16-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case suggests that conservative management with anticoagulation may be a viable option for certain pacemaker lead malpositions.
- It highlights the importance of careful lead placement and monitoring.
- Further research is needed to establish guidelines for managing such rare events.
Abstract:
We report the case of inadvertent malpositioning of a pacemaker lead in the left ventricle. The lead went through an open foramen ovale from the right to the left atrium and through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. After a review of the literature, we decided to anticoagulate the patient and leave the electrode in place. During a follow-up period of 16 months, there were no clinical complications.
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