A unique pacemaker complication of thrombus formation in the right internal jugular vein due to unusual migration of an atrial pacemaker electrode.
Our report describes the late migration of an atrial screw-in lead into the right internal jugular vein causing subsequent subclinical thrombus formation at the tip of the electrode. Previously initiated anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation may have prevented complete occlusion of the internal jugular vein. Therefore, prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered for patients in whom permanent pacing leads are dislodged into central veins and cannot be removed.
Faber
Thomas S
TS
Universitatsklinikum Freiburg, Abteilung fur Kardiologie und Angiologie, Freiburg, Germany. faber@med1.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Grom
Andreas
A
Zehender
Manfred
M
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin