Erosion of pacemaker lead

This paper describes the course of a patient who had delayed breakdown of the implantation site of a permanently placed pacemaker electrode. Transvenously placed endocardial electrodes have a lower incidence of morbidity and mortality, but skin erosions and secondary infection of the electrode tracts occur in both types. Once skin erosion is suspected, it is better to resituate the pacemaker as early as possible, since any delay may invite septicemia.