Publication at Second Faculty of Medicine |
2004
Abstract
Temporary epicardial pacing wires are easily removed in most patients within few days after cardiac surgery. In case of difficult extraction, wires are left in situ.
Retained electrodes are usually well tolerated and complications are rare. We report a patient in whom the retained wires were complicated by the fistula, leading along the wires to the right atrial wall.
The fistula was preceded by a mediastinitis. The wires and the fistula were removed using video-assisted right anterolateral minithoracotomy approach.
This case report suggests that the risk of retained epicardial pacing wires infection may be increased in patients who develop mediastinits after cardiac surgery.