Abstract
Background
Cardiac perforation caused by cardiac rhythm device implantation is uncommon but potentially lethal.
Methods
All patients presenting to a single referral centre with cardiac perforation after implantation between December 2017 and July 2019 were identified. Patient demographics, time to diagnosis, the method of lead extraction and 30-day complications were examined.
Results
Thirteen cases of cardiac perforation were identified, 4 of which were implanted at other hospitals. The incidence of perforation for devices implanted at our institution was 9/1031 (0.87%). Median time from implantation to diagnosis was 8 days (IQR = 3–21). Compared with implantations during the same time period, patients with perforation were older (80 ± 10 years vs. 73 ± 15 years, P = 0.005) and predominantly females (9/13 vs. 355/1031, P = 0.009). In all cases, the perforating lead was an active fixation model, an ICD coil in one case. 10 leads were in the right ventricle (3 of which in apical position) and 3 in the right atrium (all in the lateral wall). There was no greater proportion of a particular lead type compared with implantations during the same time period. All had abnormal electrical parameters at device interrogation. Nine patients (69%) had pericardial effusion and four (31%) developed tamponade. Transvenous lead extraction was successfully performed in all 13 patients, with no 30-day mortality.
Conclusion
Older age and female gender were more prevalent in patients with lead perforation. Transvenous lead extraction was safely performed in all patients.
Cardiac perforation following device implantation: A multicentric study
