Complications of Defibrillation With Permanent Pacemaker in Situ

PHILIP AYLWARD, RICHARD BLOOD, ANDREW TONKIN

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40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A permanent demand pacing generator was impJanted in the right delto‐pectoral fossa with unipolar transvenous lead advanced to the right ventricle. Implant and subsequent pacing parameters were normal. Five days later an emergency DC cardioversion was performed with one paddle 2 inches from the generator. Cardioversion was followed by failure of QRS‐sensing and, at immediate explant, rise in stimulation threshold. The pulse generator showed end‐of‐life characteristics. The patient died 4 days following replacement of the generator and lead. At autopsy, right ventricular infarction was found, presumably relating to currrent discharge along the lead. Pacemaker analysis showed damage to the protection zener diode and oscillator integrated circuit of the generator during cardioversion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)462-464
Number of pages3
JournalPacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Volume2
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jul 1979
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cardioversion
  • pacemaker
  • right ventricular infarction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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