Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:45
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Pacemaker lead laceration due to clavicular compression plate screw migration
Ulrich Schurr1, Thomas Syburra, Uenal Can
1Cardiac Surgery Division, City Hospital Triemli Zurich, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, CH-8063 Zurich, Switzerland. ulrich.schurr@bluewin.ch
Summary
Pacemaker lead laceration from clavicular osteosynthesis is rare but fatal. Pacemakers should be implanted on the opposite side in patients with prior clavicular surgery to prevent lead damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Clavicular osteosynthesis using compression plates can lead to long-term complications.
- Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for cardiac rhythm management.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male with prior right clavicular osteosynthesis developed pacemaker lead laceration 20 months after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.
- The laceration was caused by screw tip migration from the clavicular compression plate.
- This resulted in atrial lead dysfunction.
Findings:
- Screw migration from clavicular osteosynthesis material can lacerate adjacent pacemaker leads.
- This complication can lead to critical pacemaker lead failure.
- Complete removal of osteosynthesis material and pacemaker lead replacement were necessary.
Implications:
- Pacemaker systems should be implanted on the contralateral side in patients with a history of clavicular osteosynthesis.
- Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for preventing potentially fatal outcomes.
- Further research into optimal pacemaker placement strategies in this patient population is warranted.
