Pseudo fracture of a defibrillating lead

Routine follow-up chest X ray of several patients with the Endotak transvenous pacing lead suggested fracture of the conductor at the distal end of the proximal defibrillating coil. Electrical evaluation of these patients' leads demonstrated them to be working normally. Multiple x-ray views of a new undamaged lead demonstrated that in some projection the Endotak lead may appear fractured in spite of normal continuity of the conductors. Physicians dealing with these patients should be aware of this confusing x-ray finding.