Repeated fracture of pacemaker leads with migration into the pulmonary circulation and temporary pacemaker wire insertion via the azygous vein

J Postgrad Med. 2008 Jan-Mar;54(1):28-31. doi: 10.4103/0022-3859.39187.

Abstract

Repeated implantation of pacemaker in the same patient is a common occurrence because of the increased longevity of patients. However, repeated lead fracture in the same patient and migration of the pacemaker lead into the pulmonary circulation is rare. We describe a 56-year-old gentleman who had undergone pacemaker implantations thrice due to repeated lead fractures (thrice) and also had migration of the pacemaker lead into the pulmonary circulation. He also had an azygous vein which was noticed while placing the temporary pacemaker wire.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azygos Vein*
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome