An Electronic Device Floating in Hemothorax: When POCUS Helps to FOCUS.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Cardiac perforation is a rare but serious complication of pacemaker implantation.
• Right ventricular lead perforation can lead to significant intrathoracic bleeding, such as hemothorax.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of cardiac perforation and hemothorax following pacemaker implantation.
• To emphasize the diagnostic utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in such critical scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A case study describing a patient with pacemaker implantation.
• Diagnosis was aided by Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to identify lead migration and hemothorax.
• Treatment involved emergent percutaneous drainage, device removal, and replacement.

Main Results:

• Successful diagnosis of right ventricular lead perforation and massive left-sided hemothorax using POCUS.
• Effective emergent management through percutaneous drainage and device revision.

Conclusions:

• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis of pacemaker-related complications.
• Prompt intervention including drainage and device management is crucial for patient outcomes.