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Dislocation of a non-functional transvenous ventricular pacemaker lead in a child 6 years following abandonment
Bert Nagel1, Martin Koestenberger, Igor Knez
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036 Graz, Austria. bert.nagel@klinikum-graz.at
Insights
This case report details a rare late dislocation of an abandoned transvenous ventricular pacemaker lead in a pediatric patient. It highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring for pacemaker leads to prevent such complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Device Complications
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Transvenous ventricular pacemakers are used to treat bradyarrhythmias in children.
- Abandoned pacemaker leads can remain in situ after device replacement or deactivation.
- Late complications of retained pacemaker leads are uncommon but can be serious.
Observation:
- A case of late dislocation of an abandoned transvenous ventricular pacemaker lead in a child is presented.
- The dislocation occurred significantly after the initial implantation and abandonment of the lead.
- This represents the first reported instance of this specific complication in a pediatric population.
Findings:
- The study describes the clinical presentation and management of a dislocated pacemaker lead.
- It emphasizes the potential for late mechanical complications even with abandoned leads.
- The report discusses diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing lead dislodgement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity for vigilant long-term follow-up of all pacemaker leads, including abandoned ones, in pediatric patients.
- Awareness of this potential complication is crucial for clinicians managing pediatric patients with pacemakers.
- Further research may be warranted to establish optimal surveillance protocols for abandoned leads.
Abstract:
This case report describes for the first time a late dislocation of an abandoned transvenous ventricular pacemaker (PM) lead in a child. Further management of this complication and the importance for follow-up of PM leads are discussed.
