Pacemaker Lead Entanglement during Interventional PFO Occlusion: Salvage Using a Sizing Balloon

Case Rep Cardiol. 2023 Dec 13:2023:5586197. doi: 10.1155/2023/5586197. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

We present a case of a patient with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) likely due to paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Her medical history included 2nd-degree heart block Mobitz II, which manifested with recurrent syncopes and was treated with a dual chamber pacemaker. During the interventional PFO closure procedure, we noted entrapment of the atrial pacemaker lead between the right-sided occluder disc and the interatrial septum. We were able to successfully move the lead aside using a 24 mm sizing balloon and subsequently developed the right-sided occluder disc in the correct position. In conclusion, pacemaker-lead entrapment between a PFO occluder disc and the interatrial septum can be prevented using a sizing balloon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports