Unusual Delayed Complication of Pacemaker Leads
Anupam K Gupta1, Monica I Burgos Claudio2, Nir Hus3,4
1Minimally Invasive Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, USA.
Insights
Displaced pacemaker leads caused chest pain in three patients. Diagnosis required imaging, and lead extraction with heart repair necessitated a pericardial window procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.
- Displacement of pacemaker leads can lead to significant complications, including chest pain.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with recurrent chest pain attributed to displaced pacemaker leads.
- Repeated emergency room evaluations were initially required for symptom assessment.
Findings:
- Imaging modalities were crucial in diagnosing the precise location of the misplaced ventricular pacemaker leads.
- Surgical intervention, including a pericardial window, was necessary for lead extraction and cardiac defect repair.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of considering lead displacement in patients with pacemakers experiencing chest pain.
- Multidisciplinary management involving cardiologists and electrophysiologists is vital for optimal patient outcomes.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent serious cardiac complications associated with lead malposition.
Abstract:
We present three patients who complained of chest pain secondary to displaced pacemaker leads. They underwent evaluation in the emergency room multiple times for chest pain. Imaging was useful to diagnose misplaced ventricular leads of the pacemaker. The patients needed a pericardial window for the extraction of leads and repair of the heart defect. The perioperative course was managed with a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists and electrophysiologists.
Related Concept Videos
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management


