Removal of fractured pacemaker electrode tip using Dotter basket

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Device Technology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Infected permanent pacemaker systems require removal.
• Pacemaker electrode fracture during removal is a potential complication.

Observation:

• During removal of an infected pacemaker system, the electrode fractured.
• The tined tip of the fractured electrode became embedded in the left subclavian vein wall.

Findings:

• The embedded electrode tip was successfully retrieved.
• A Dotter basket retrieval kit was utilized for the removal.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates a successful technique for managing fractured pacemaker electrodes.
• The Dotter basket is an effective tool for retrieving embedded vascular foreign bodies.