Pacemaker lead malposition in the left atrial roof is masked by normal pacing thresholds

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2014 Mar 20:9:53. doi: 10.1186/1749-8090-9-53.

Abstract

Pacemaker lead malpositioning with subsequent cardiac tamponade is a rare, but serious adverse event. We herein report a case of pacemaker lead malpositioning in a 76-year old female caucasian patient. The lead was malpositioned into the roof of the left atrium after perforation of the superior vena cava, resulting in cardiac tamponade. After fast surgical revision and an uneventful post-operative period, the patient was discharged in excellent condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / surgery*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / injuries*
  • Heart Atria / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Radiography, Thoracic