Malfunction of a unipolar pacemaker system following development of marked subcutaneous emphysema.
Failure of a unipolar pacemaker system due to subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication after implantation. We report on a pacemaker dysfunction observed three days after implantation in a 91-year-old patient following development of marked subcutaneous emphysema. Function was immediately restored following application of pressure bandages and the condition resolved within a few days.
Schlegel
M
M
Division of General Internal Medicine. matthias.schlegel@kssg.ch
Hörler
R
R
Maier-Wölfle
M
M
Rickli
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages; D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure