[Catheter-based rescue of a split pacemaker lead in the pulmonary artery].
This case report describes a successful catheter-based rescue of a split pacemaker lead in the pulmonary artery-as an unusual reason for pleural effusion. Hemorrhagic pleural effusion was diagnosed 7 months after pacemaker exchange due to battery depletion and lead replacement due to an increase of the stimulation threshold. The reason for the pleural effusion was a splitting of the inactive electrode lead into shaft and inner fragment which was dislocated into the pulmonary artery and micro-perforated. The dislocated lead was retrieved using biopsy forceps and a gooseneck snare. Finally it was capped and fixed. Even in an anatomically difficult position, catheter-based rescue is feasible. Not in all pacemaker lead types is cutting the adapter of the inactive pacemaker leads recommendable.
Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Kardiologie, Bremserstr. 79, 67063 Ludwigshafen, Germany. a.droegemueller@surfeu.de
A
A
Drögemüller
H
H
Schultz
J
J
Senges
K
K
Seidl
D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000628:therapy*; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome