Management of inadvertent lead placement in the left ventricle via a patent foramen ovale: A multidisciplinary approach

A series of unfortunate events: Long-neglected malpositioned pacemaker and its consequences

Use of pacemakers has increased in recent years, and they have become the premier treatment option for several arrhythmias. However, they are not without risk; this case report aims to show the importance of follow-up and adherence to guidelines, and methods to diagnose a life-threatening complication.

Management of an Inadvertently Placed Transarterial Pacemaker Lead in the Left Ventricle: A Step-by-step Approach

Inadvertent lead misplacement in the left ventricle can lead to thromboembolic events, valvular damage, and endocarditis. We present a case of an inadvertently placed transarterial pacemaker lead in the left ventricle in a patient who underwent percutaneous lead removal. After a multidisciplinary team discussion involving cardiac electrophysiology and interventional cardiology as well as a discussion of treatment options with the patient, it was decided to proceed with pacemaker lead removal with the Sentinel™ Cerebral Protection System (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) to prevent thromboembolic events. The patient tolerated the procedure well without post-procedural complications and was discharged the next day on oral anticoagulation. We also present a step-by-step approach to perform lead removal with the use of Sentinel™, emphasizing mitigating the stroke and bleeding risks in this patient setting.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of permanent pacemaker lead malposition in the left ventricle: A case study

Inadvertent endocardial lead malposition is recognized as a rare incident which is usually underreported and if recognized during implantation can be easily corrected. This phenomenon is caused by the ventricular lead unintentionally crossing a pre-existing patent foremen ovale, septal defects (atrial or ventricular) or directly from the aorta via an accidental subclavian puncture resulting in the lead implanting into the left ventricle. While this is a rare occurrence we report, the incidental finding of pacemaker lead malposition during a routine follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram and the benefits of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in this patient prior to lead extraction.