Extrusion of the device: a rare complication of the pacemaker implantation

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2009 Apr;10(4):330-2.

Abstract

Skin erosion caused by the pacemaker is widely documented, but the complete extrusion of the device is very rare. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital because of skin erosion, followed by the complete extrusion of the pacemaker pulse generator out of the subcutaneous pocket. The patient underwent a lead extraction procedure and a new pacemaker, in the contralateral side, was implanted. This case demonstrates that the early stages of skin erosion favoured by the device, if neglected, may cause more serious complications that may require the removal of the hardware.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Device Removal
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Radiography
  • Skin Diseases
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents