Self-entwinement of an active fixation pacemaker electrode.
We report a case in which an active fixation atrial lead tip became entwined on the proximal lead body during implantation. It was not possible to disengage the tip or to remove the resultant lead loop atraumatically through the insertion site. Removal of the lead was accomplished using a Dotter intravascular snare inserted via a femoral vein, with subsequent successful implantation of a new lead. This unusual technique-related complication emphasizes the need for meticulous fluoroscopic visualization during lead manipulation.
Department of Medicine, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas 79920-5001.
T L
TL
Stoughton
T E
TE
Martyak
A C
AC
Gomez
W
W
Pearl
D000368:Aged; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial