Successful removal of an infected pacemaker electrode adhered to the tricuspid valve
Nakata, T.; Yamamoto, T.; Hamada, T.; Kashu, Y.; Takahashi, H.; Sato, M.; Watanabe, Y.; Sato, N.; Kawachi, K.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 51(9): 765-768
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 9742820 Document Number: 492708
A 77-year-old male suffered from pacemaker lead infection with pacing failure. Because he had a severe fever, we performed an interventional removal procedure with the help of a lead removal kit. However, the tip of the lead could not be withdrawn via the right internal jugular vein because it adhered tightly to the tricuspid valve. Two days later, we proceeded with an open removal procedure under cardiopulmonary bypass. The lead could be removed without any complication, and no inflammation was observed postoperatively. We report the case and discuss the indications and limitations of both the interventional and open methods.