Echocardiographic diagnosis of permanent pacemaker lead malposition in
the left ventricle -- A case study.
Abstract
Inadvertent endocardial lead malposition is recognised as a rare
incident which is usually underreported and if recognised during
implantation can be easily corrected. This phenomenon is caused by the
ventricular lead unintentionally crossing a pre-existing patent foremen
ovale, septal defects (atrial or ventricular) or directly from the aorta
via an accidental subclavian puncture resulting in the lead implanting
into the left ventricle. While this is a rare occurrence we report the
incidental finding of pacemaker lead malposition during a routine
follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram and the benefits of three
dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in this patient prior to
lead extraction.