Medial subclavicular musculotendinous complex and insulation break: Rare cause of late pacemaker lead malfunction

Abstract

Insulation break in a permanent pacemaker lead is a rare long-term complication. We describe an elderly male with a VVIR pacemaker, who presented with an episode of presyncope more than 3 years after the initial implantation procedure, attributed to insulation break possibly caused by lead entrapment in components of the medial subclavicular musculotendinous complex (MSMC) and repeated compressive damage over time during ipsilateral arm movement requiring lead replacement. The differential diagnosis of a clinical presentation when pacing stimuli are present with failure to capture and the role of the MSMC in causing lead damage late after implantation are discussed.

Keywords: Insulation break; Late complication; Medial subclavicular musculotendinous complex (MSMC); Pacemaker lead.