Temporary epicardial pacing wire removal: Is it an innocuous procedure?

Abstract

The safety and efficacy of temporary pericardial pacing wires have been accepted and their use is common after cardiac operations. Complications related to pacing wire removal are unusual but it can be serious and even catastrophic. We report an unusual case of bleeding due the laceration and rent created in the saphenous vein graft wall by the metallic tip of the pacing wire at the time of pacing wire removal. © 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.