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Cardiovascular images: pacemaker-lead fracture and excessive coiling in a dog
A K McManamey1, M M Lake2, T C DeFrancesco3
1Department Veterinary Clinical Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Summary
A pacemaker lead fracture caused malfunction in a dog five years after implantation. A replacement epicardial system was successfully implanted, highlighting a rare complication in veterinary pacing.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Medical Device Malfunction
- Canine Pacemaker Systems
Background:
- Transvenous pacemaker implantation is a treatment for cardiac arrhythmias in dogs.
- Pacemaker lead integrity is crucial for long-term device function.
- Partial atrial standstill can necessitate permanent pacemaker implantation.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old Labrador Retriever presented with bradycardia (30-50 bpm) and signs of pacemaker malfunction.
- Electrocardiogram revealed absent atrial activity and ventricular pacing.
- Pacemaker interrogation showed high impedance (7557 ohms) and radiographs confirmed lead fracture with coiling.
Findings:
- Complete transvenous pacemaker lead fracture and excessive coiling were identified.
- The malfunctioning transvenous system was deactivated.
- An epicardial pacing system was successfully implanted as a replacement.
Implications:
- This case details a rare complication of complete lead fracture and coiling in veterinary transvenous pacing.
- Epicardial pacing provides a viable alternative for managing pacemaker lead failures.
- Long-term monitoring is essential for detecting device-related complications in pacemaker-dependent animals.
