Retained temporary epicardial pacing wires: a rare cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis

Temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPWs) are commonly used during cardiac surgery to meet unforeseen complications like heart blocks or asystole. These are generally considered to be safe. The incidence of major complications with their use is low, but could be life threatening. Complications can be divided into those encountered during placement, removal, or retention of temporary epicardial pacing wires. We report a rare case of prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis caused by TEPWs that migrated into the pulmonary artery, presenting 5 months following mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery that required percutaneous removal of these temporary pacing wires via a right femoral vein approach. This case highlights the fact that delayed complications can rarely occur due to retained TEPWs and may have serious consequences. This fact should be taken into account when the strategy on dealing with such wires following cardiac surgery is determined. Routine retention of temporary epicardial pacing wires is not recommended.