Entirely polytetrafluoroethylene coating for pacemaker system contact dermatitis

Abstract

A 63-year-old man underwent pacemaker implantation for complete atrio-ventricular block. The patient repeated admissions for skin necrosis, and generator or pacemaker system was re-implanted each time. The patient was admitted with skin necrosis of the generator pocket three years after re-implantation. A skin patch test was positive on almost all components of the pacemaker system. The patient underwent pacemaker system removal and re-implantation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheets coating pericardium leads and generator. There has been no recurrence. PTFE sheet coating is effective to treat pacemaker system contact dermatitis. © 2008 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.