title: Transient exit block of a DDD pacemaker with unipolar leads in subcutaneous emphysema following pneumothorax.
abstract: This case report describes a transient pacemaker exit block due to subcutaneous emphysema following pneumothorax. Pneumothorax after pacemaker implantation is rare, but development of subcutaneous emphysema under such circumstances is even more uncommon. Exit block develops only with the use of unipolar leads; with implantation of bipolar leads, this complication cannot occur.
authors.affiliation: Charite Med Klinik Kardio/Angio, Schumannstr 20-21, 10098 Berlin, Germany. christoph.melzer@charite.de
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melzer
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bauman
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Theres
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*