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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
09:15
Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Allergy to pacemaker silicone compounds: recognition and surgical management
Mihaela L Oprea1, Heike Schnöring, Jörg S Sachweh
1Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. moprea@ukaachen.de
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|March 28, 2009
Summary
A rare silicone allergy caused pacemaker complications in a child. Diagnosis required a specific patch test, leading to silicone-free device implantation for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Silicone is a common biomaterial in medical devices.
- Pacemaker implantation is standard for heart block.
- Contact allergy to silicone is infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old girl with congenital heart disease experienced recurrent pacemaker wound issues.
- Previous interventions failed to resolve the complications.
- The underlying cause was identified as a silicone contact allergy.
Findings:
- A specific manufacturer's patch test was crucial for diagnosing silicone allergy.
- Complete explantation of the silicone-based pacing system was necessary.
- Successful management involved custom-made, silicone-free pacemaker components and epicardial leads.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare biomaterial allergies in device complications.
- Suggests the need for silicone-free alternatives in sensitive patients.
- Emphasizes diagnostic patch testing for unexplained wound healing issues post-implantation.
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