title: Coronary artery fistula formation secondary to permanent pacemaker placement.
abstract: We present the findings in two patients who apparently developed a coronary artery fistula as a complication of an endocardial pacing electrode. This complication may actually be occurring more frequently than recognized because the patient may be asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic and therefore not undergo a coronary angiogram. Awareness of this potentially serious complication is important and stresses the need for proper electrode placement without excess pressure on the tip.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Milwaukee County Medical Complex, West Wisconsin.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saeian
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vellinga
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Troup
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wetherbee
mesh_terms: D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology*; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000209:etiology*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial