Clinical, Anatomical, and Technical Risk Factors for Postoperative Pacemaker or Defibrillator Lead Perforation with Particular Focus on Myocardial Thickness

Abstract

Chest pain, phrenic stimulation, bad sensing, or exit block early after PM implantation must prompt radiological and echocardiographic evaluation. A missing pericardial effusion particularly late after implantation does not rule out a perforation. Especially active fixating leads have a higher risk of perforation. With cardiac surgery in standby transvenous withdrawal is a safe way to treat lead perforation.