Extrusion of the device: a rare complication of the pacemaker implantation.
Skin erosion caused by the pacemaker is widely documented, but the complete extrusion of the device is very rare. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital because of skin erosion, followed by the complete extrusion of the pacemaker pulse generator out of the subcutaneous pocket. The patient underwent a lead extraction procedure and a new pacemaker, in the contralateral side, was implanted. This case demonstrates that the early stages of skin erosion favoured by the device, if neglected, may cause more serious complications that may require the removal of the hardware.
Santarpia
Giuseppe
G
Department of Cardiology, Second University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy. santarpi@tin.it
Sarubbi
Berardo
B
D'Alto
Michele
M
Romeo
Emanuele
E
Calabro
Raffaele
R
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D012871:Skin Diseases; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents