Entrapment of tined leads

A rare complication is described, in three patients. The tined tip of a ventricular pacemaker electrode was entrapped in the chordae of the tricuspid valve and could not be removed by subtle manipulations in two patients. In one patient, the electrode was removed with partial rupture of the tricuspid valve. The two electrodes remained in the entrapped position and new electrodes were inserted in all three cases. No clinical sequelae were found during follow-up of at least 24 months.