Retained Permanent Epicardial Pacemaker Leads and Lung Abscess: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge
Abdul Rasheed Bahar1, Mohamad Hasan Jawadi1, Shaun Cardozo2
1Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|December 3, 2025
Summary
Retained epicardial pacemaker leads can cause rare but serious complications like lung abscess. Complete removal and monitoring are crucial for patients with cardiac device history.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epicardial pacemaker leads are utilized when transvenous access is not feasible.
- Retained leads, though rare, can lead to significant long-term complications.


