Ventricular lead transection and atrial lead damage in a young softball player shortly after the insertion of a permanent pacemaker.
We report a case in which permanent pacemaker implantation using a conventional subclavian approach on the throwing side of an avid softball player resulted in complete transection of the ventricular lead and severe damage to the atrial lead. The site of the lead fracture suggested that both leads were crushed between the clavicle and the first rib as a result of the frequent and repetitive arm movement. This case illustrates the importance of the selection of the correct approach for permanent pacing lead insertion.
Schuger
C D
CD
Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 02215.
Mittleman
R
R
Habbal
B
B
Wagshal
A
A
Huang
S K
SK
D000328:Adult; D001484:Baseball; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000628:therapy