Inadvertent transarterial pacemaker lead placement

Indian Heart J. 2015 Sep-Oct;67(5):452-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ihj.2015.05.018. Epub 2015 Aug 3.

Abstract

We present a case of a 73-year-old patient with acute left-sided hemiparesis four months after right ventricular pacemaker insertion. Post-procedural electrocardiogram revealed a paced RBBB complex and an abnormal lead path on chest X-ray. Subsequent echocardiography and computed tomography showed left ventricular pacemaker malposition with retrograde passage to the punctured subclavian artery. We also discuss the utility of routine cardiac investigations post-insertion to identify signal lead malposition as well as management strategies once identified.

Keywords: Artificial; Bundle-branch block; Pacemaker; Post-operative complications; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnosis
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology
  • Bundle-Branch Block / therapy*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Sternotomy / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed