Aortic perforation by active-fixation atrial pacing lead.
This report describes perforation of the aorta related to the implantation of an active-fixation atrial pacing lead, a previously undocumented complication of pacemaker implantation. The complication was related to excessive tissue penetration by the screw at the tip of the lead or perforation of the lead body by the positioning stylet during manipulation whereupon the stylet traversed the atrial wall and aortic wall. Perforation of the aorta should be part of the differential diagnosis of cardiac tamponade after pacemaker implantation.
Kashani
Amir
A
St John's Mercy Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA. AHK3@aol.com
Mehdirad
Ali
A
Fredman
Carey
C
Barold
S Serge
SS
D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000293:injuries*; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology