Results of pacemaker implantations and some ideas for complications

Abstract

We report the results of pacemaker (PM) implantations, and rare complications and few ideas during perioperative period in our clinic. Eleven patients underwent PM implantations, 5 with A-V block and 6 with sick sinus syndrome. Their average age was 73 years old. Three of them were treated with temporary pacing, and two received isoproterenol urgently before the operation. PM generators were implanted in anterior chest wall, and leads were inserted via subclavial vein. All patients have been checked at regular intervals in our clinic. The following three interesting cases are also reported, # 1 : A chest rentogenogrsm of an 81 old female exhibited the lead with tines in the left pleural cavity 3 months after the operation, so she was diagnosed as right ventricular perforation of the lead. However, she showed neither subjective nor objective complaints except abnormal ECG findings. A new lead was introduced at the same location. # 2 : In a case with difficult lead insertion via subclavian vein, the lead was introduced from cervical subcutaneous vein and connected to usual PM location. # 3 : In a case with a larger anterior chest pocket and formation of seroma, rapid healing of the wound was achieved by a use of a PORTBAG. © 1994, Japanese Society of National Medical Services. All rights reserved.