title: Salvage of permanent epicardial lead function by conversion of a bipolar to unipolar lead.
abstract: Increased thresholds in permanent epicardial leads pose a special challenge in the postoperative period. We present a case of complete heart block after surgical correction of a congenital heart defect that required conversion of an axial bipolar lead to unipolar lead to avoid lead replacement. We review the options for repair and describe our approach to this patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10031, USA. neelyrob@gmail.com
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Neely
authors.forename: Henry M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Spotnitz
mesh_terms: D006327:Heart Block / Q000628:therapy*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000601:surgery; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012086:Reoperation; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery