Citation

Catanzaro JN, Makaryus AN, Jadonath S, Jadonath R. Eur. J. Emerg. Med. 2007; 14(4): 224-227.

Affiliation

North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/MEJ.0b013e3280bef79a

PMID

17620916

Abstract

Pacemaker lead dislodgement can be defined as any lead position change, whether the functionality of the pacemaker is affected or not. Only dislodgements that provoke a malfunction in the pacing system, however, are clinically relevant. Lead dislodgement can be categorized as 'macro' or 'micro' dislodgement depending upon the presence of radiographic evidence. This case illustrates a case of lead microdislodgement after a low-impact motor vehicle accident. The lead tip was minimally displaced; enough to produce an increase in capture threshold and eventually loss of capture while keeping near normal lead impedance values. Review of the literature shows that ventricular lead dislodgement after a motor vehicle accident is a rare incidence and cause of pacemaker malfunction.

Language: en