Bilateral Pneumothorax Post Insertion of Intracardiac Defibrillator, a Rare Condition, Risk Factors and Prevention

Abstract

The implantation cardiac rhythm management devices is rising annually. The two known common complications of these devices, infection and pneumothorax, occur in 1.2% and 0.6% of patients, respectively. Pneumothorax is usually seen in the ipsilateral part of implantation however in some rare cases this will be seen in the contralateral part. Despite using cephalic vein cutdown or venogram assisted puncture of axillary vein to reduce this complication, pneumothorax remains the one of the most morbid complications post implant. In this article a rare case of bilateral pneumothorax will be presented and discussed.