Wandering Atrial Pacemaker Wire: Migration of a Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wire Into the Left Heart
Jennifer D Hua1, Shoheb S Ali2, Vamsi Reddy3
1Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia, Suwanee, Georgia.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Retained temporary epicardial pacing wires can migrate. This case details a rare instance of a noninfectious migrated wire moving into the left heart after cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Temporary epicardial pacing is standard post-cardiac surgery.
- Pacing wires are typically removed by traction.
- Flush cutting is used when traction removal fails.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare complication of temporary epicardial pacing.
- To describe a case of a migrated retained pacing wire into the left heart.
- To highlight potential risks associated with retained pacing wires.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of patient's surgical and post-operative course.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management considerations.
Main Results:
- A temporary epicardial pacing wire migrated from the epicardium into the left heart.
- The migration occurred in a noninfectious manner.
- This represents a rare complication of retained pacing wires.
Conclusions:
- Retained temporary pacing wires pose a risk of cardiac migration.
- Noninfectious migration into the heart chambers is possible.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for post-operative care.
