[Pelvic symptoms 6 months after implantation of an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator]

Very few complications after implantation of an automatic cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have been observed. Most complications are caused by infections, electrode problems and inappropriate ICD shocks caused by supraventricular tachyarrythmia. We report on a 64-year-old patient who received an ICD after successful resuscitation due to ventricular fibrillation. Six months after ICD implant the patient suffered from abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray and ultrasound revealed perforation of the ICD into the pelvis. After operative revision and implantation into a new pulse generator pouch, the patient was fine up to 7 months later. Then incarceration of an epigastric hernia was present without any signs that the defibrillator pouch was involved.