Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker leads: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Daiji Takeuchi1, Yasuko Tomizawa

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan, ptakeuci@hij.twmu.ac.jp.

Insights

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads is a rare, lethal complication in children receiving pacemakers. Prompt diagnosis and lead removal are crucial for patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Epicardial pacemaker implantation in children carries a risk of cardiac strangulation.
  • This complication, though rare, can be life-threatening.
  • Growing children are particularly susceptible due to anatomical changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review previously reported cases of cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads in children.
  • To discuss the condition from a pediatric cardiologist's perspective.
  • To enhance awareness and understanding of this rare complication.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ten previously reported cases of cardiac strangulation.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes.
  • Discussion from the viewpoint of pediatric cardiology.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac strangulation is a rare but severe complication of epicardial pacemaker leads in pediatric patients.
  • Early identification and intervention, including lead removal, are critical for successful patient outcomes.
  • Increased awareness among medical professionals is essential.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac strangulation necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention.
  • Pediatric cardiologists play a key role in managing this complication.
  • Further awareness initiatives are important for improving patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
579
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
619
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
789
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.0K
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
612
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
766