Cardiac Strangulation Research Articles

Complications of permanent pacing in children depending on the method of implantation

Background. Currently pacing is the only treatment option for life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Considering the specific factors of pediatric patients, specialists in this field should be highly professional.Aim: To present the experience and retrospective analysis of complications of permanent pacing in children and adolescents from Tomsk National Research Medical Center.Material and Methods. Complications of permanent pacing in children with structurally normal heart and children with congenital heart defects were analyzed. The follow-up was from 1999 to 2021 years. 256 patients aged from 1 month to 18 years participated in the study. Epicardial pacemaker was implanted in 173 children, endocardial – in 83 patients. Average time from primary implantation to complications was 2.1 ± 2.7 years.Results. Hemodynamic complications are the most common among patients with epicardial and endocardial permanent pacing. Hemodynamic complications with epicardial permanent pacing are associated with intraventricular dissynchrony due to stimulation in the area of the lateral wall or the right ventricular outflow tract. In patients with endocardial permanent pacing hemodynamic complications are associated with the development of pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy due to permanent pacing of the right ventricle apex and tricuspid regurgitation. Complications such as bacterial endocarditis, infection of the pacemaker and its bed, hemopericardium, subclavian vein occlusion, pericarditis, peacemaker dislocation and lead fracture were less common. Two cases of cardiac strangulation were detected.Conclusion. Neither epicardial nor endocardial pacemaker implantation guarantee the absence of complications. Implantation of the electrode on the apex of the left ventricle (epicardial pacemaker system), in the area of the His bundle (endocardial pacemaker system), prevents the development of hemodynamic complications. The most rational is the use of a primary epicardial pacemaker system. Such approach allows the veins to be preserved for endocardial stimulation at an older age.

Complications of permanent pacing in children depending on the method of implantation

Background. Currently pacing is the only treatment option for life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Considering the specific factors of pediatric patients, specialists in this field should be highly professional.Aim. To present the experience and retrospective analysis of complications of permanent pacing in children and adolescents from Tomsk National Research Medical Center.Material and Methods. Complications of permanent pacing in children with structurally normal heart and children with congenital heart defects were analyzed. The follow-up was from 1999 to 2021 years. 256 patients aged from 1 month to 18 years participated in the study. Epicardial pacemaker was implanted in 173 children, endocardial – in 83 patients. Average time from primary implantation to complications was 2.1 ± 2.7 years.Results. Hemodynamic complications are the most common among patients with epicardial and endocardial permanent pacing. Hemodynamic complications with epicardial permanent pacing are associated with intraventricular dissynchrony due to stimulation in the area of the lateral wall or the right ventricular outflow tract. In patients with endocardial permanent pacing hemodynamic complications are associated with the development of pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy due to permanent pacing of the right ventricle apex and tricuspid regurgitation. Complications such as bacterial endocarditis, infection of the pacemaker and its bed, hemopericardium, subclavian vein occlusion, pericarditis, peacemaker dislocation and lead fracture were less common. Two cases of cardiac strangulation were detected.Conclusion. Neither epicardial nor endocardial pacemaker implantation guarantee the absence of complications. Implantation of the electrode on the apex of the left ventricle (epicardial pacemaker system), in the area of the His bundle (endocardial pacemaker system), prevents the development of hemodynamic complications. The most rational is the use of a primary epicardial pacemaker system. Such approach allows the veins to be preserved for endocardial stimulation at an older age.

Cardiac Strangulation by Epicardial Pacing Wires.

This 10-year old patient underwent implantation of an epicardial dual chamber pacing system for complete atrioventricular block post an interruption of the aortic arch repair and patch closure of two ventricular septal defects in the neonatal period. Serial follow-up indicated a resolution of the complete heart block and minimal utilisation of pacing device. Eight (8) years following the implantation of the device he presented with episodes of presyncope at rest.

Complications of epi- and endocardial pacing in children

Abstract Aim To analyze complications of cardiac pacing in children depending on the implantation method. Actuality Recently epicardial lead implantation becomes more and more popular either due to more serious complications of transvenous pacing or due to possibility of choice of hemodynamically optimal pacing zone. Methods and materials 242 patients with pacemakers are under our supervision. Epicardial pacemakers were implanted to 145 patients, endocardial – to 97 patients. In “old era” in most children the primary epicardial implantations were performed at RV free wall. In 27 children, having primary implantation at our Institute lately, the epicardial lead was placed at LV apex, or endocardial – at RV apex. Results The comparative analysis of complications of epi- and endocardial implantation showed the following results: 22% of complications at epicardial stimulation, and at transvenous stimulation – 45%. The most often complications at epicardial stimulation (53%) were connected with hemodynamic disorders – dyssinchronous cardiomyopathy. Hemodynamic complications, connected with dyssinchrony of endocardial RV pacing, were disclosed in 16%. The most often complication of endocardial stimulation was TV insufficiency (32%). Venous vessel thrombosis was diagnosed in 9%. Epicardial and transvenous lead failure was discovered in similar percentage ratio (28%). Infectious complications of transvenous pacing, especially, bacterial endocarditis, took place in 6,8%. Thus, progressive bacterial endocarditis and TV insufficiency (3d deg.) appeared in one patient in 10 years after the primary implantation. Afterwards, elimination of endocardial system by open surgery, TV plasty followed by epicardial pacing implantation are required. Infection of pacing site was disclosed in both types of implantation (1%). Perforation of atrial endocardial lead was found in two cases (4%). A case of mechanical complication (cardiac strangulation) was diagnosed in a child (3%) in four years after the primary implantation of epicardial pacing system. Pericarditis was recorded immediately after the epicardil pacemaker implantation in 9% of cases. Our center performs epicardial lead implantation with the help of midline sternotomy that provides clear approach to right atrium. However, the difficulties of lead fixation at LV apex appear here. It concerns, especially, the patients after CHD correction as the repeated sternotomy in them presents high risk of RV insufficiency. Nevertheless, the given approach is still the best possible with epicardial pacing if there is a “preclude”, sufficient experience of CHD correction. Conclusion The possibility of choice of optimal epicardial pacing site exceeds risks of leads and midline sternotomy. Any primary pacemaker implantation in children of any age with ventricular lead should be epicardial. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiac Strangulation Following Epicardial Pacemaker Implantation: How to Prevent It

Cardiac Strangulation Following Epicardial Pacemaker Implantation: How to Prevent It

Epicardial Pacemaker Lead-induced Cardiac Strangulation Causing Asystole due to Unexpected Myocardial Ischemia during Catheterization: A Case Report

Epicardial Pacemaker Lead-induced Cardiac Strangulation Causing Asystole due to Unexpected Myocardial Ischemia during Catheterization: A Case Report

Cardiac strangulation after epicardial pacing: the importance of non-specific symptoms and a low index of suspicion.

Cardiac strangulation is a rare and potentially deadly complication of epicardial pacemaker implantation. A young boy presenting with chest pain and tiredness almost 7 years after pacemaker implantation was found to have cardiac strangulation. Literature review revealed 22 cases reported to date with a worrying rise in the number of reports over the past 3 years. Strangulation is associated with implantation of leads at a young age and appears to be related to somatic growth. Serial assessment with chest X-ray and echocardiogram is recommended, at least until full adult growth is attained with further coronary artery imaging reserved for symptoms or suspicious echocardiographic findings. If cardiac strangulation is diagnosed prompt replacement of the offending system is needed.

A case of cardiac strangulation following epicardial pacemaker implantation

An 8-year-old boy had undergone permanent epicardial pacemaker implantation with a Y-shaped bipolar ventricular lead on day 6 after birth for treatment of congenital complete atrioventricular block. He was found to have pulmonary stenosis and mitral stenosis by follow-up echocardiography. Further studies including computed tomography and cardiac catheterization revealed that the pacemaker lead had completely encircled the cardiac silhouette and was in a state of “cardiac strangulation”. We removed the previous pacing leads and generator and implanted a new epicardial dual-chamber pacing system in the right atrium and right ventricle. Additionally, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet was placed between the new leads and the heart to prevent recurrence of cardiac strangulation.

Congenital Absence of the Pericardium

Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is one of the rarest cardiac congenital anomalies. It can occur as a complete absence of the entire pericardium, absence of the right or left portion of the pericardium or a partial, foramen-like defect of the right or left pericardium. While the majority of cases are clinically silent, multiple reports associate CAP with symptomatic presentation. The most feared complication of CAP is sudden death due to cardiac strangulation across a partial defect of the left pericardium. Given its rare occurrence, most clinicians and imaging specialists will have little experience with this condition and may fail to recognize it on thoracic or cardiac studies. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the common clinical and multimodality imaging features associated with this anomaly and suggest a management algorithm.

Cardiac strangulation following epicardial pacemaker implantation: A rare pediatric complication

The aim of our study was 2-fold: to determine the incidence of cardiac strangulation (CS) and to develop a clinical pathway to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of CS. In <2 years, 2 cases of CS occurred in our institution, which caused much alarm and led to the study's objectives. All patients who underwent implantation of an epicardial pacemaker from January 1992 to March 2012 were included. There were no exclusion criteria. Health records were used to locate all subjects and gather all retrospective data. Prospectively, subjects without a chest radiograph from the previous 2 years were approached for imaging. This study included 86 patients retrospectively, and 84 patients prospectively. There was a 2.3% incidence, and a 1.2% mortality, related to CS. A pattern of posterior looping of the ventricular lead was seen in radiographs of both CS-diagnosed patients. Five variables were significantly associated with an outcome of CS (P = .0153). Our data indicate that the 2 cases of CS were not caused by a lack of follow-up but by a lack of consistent imaging for diagnosis. This conclusion is supported by the 8 cases of CS found in the English-language literature. If the patient is age ≤6 months at the time of implantation, particular attention should be given to the placement of leads and follow-up.

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker leads: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads is a rare but potentially lethal complication associated with epicardial pacemaker implantation in growing children. Early diagnosis and quick lead removal are required to rescue patients suffering from cardiac strangulation. In April 2013, the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery, Japan Society of Arrhythmia and Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Society published information about cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads in children on the home page of each organization's website to increase awareness of this condition Here, we review ten previously reported cases and discuss cardiac strangulation from the point of view of the pediatric cardiologist.

Blunt Traumatic Pericardial Rupture&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;—Case Report and Literature Review

Pericardial rupture following blunt chest trauma is rare and associated with high mortality rate ranging from 30% to 64%. We review 42 cases which have been reported in the literature in last 17 years and report a case of our own. We have found that 83% of the cases were men with a mean age of 49 years. The most frequent cause was traffic accidents (79%). Preoperative diagnosis of traumatic rupture of the pericardium has been improved in recent 17 years, and the result is satisfactory. Early detection, timely treatment is the key. Pneumopericardium may be a valuable radiographic clue for diagnosis. The management of pericardial rupture is mainly to avoid the risk of cardiac strangulation or acute tamponade. If the injury is recognized timely, treatment is simple and effective.

Dynamic Coronary Artery Compression by Pacemaker Lead

A 12 year-old girl with corrected transposition (L-transposition of the great arteries with ventricular inversion) and congenital complete atrioventricular block underwent epicardial pacemaker implantation with a single ventricular lead at 1 week of life. Subsequently, she presented for routine follow-up care in the electrophysiology clinic with no symptomatic concerns. She denied chest pain. Her physical examination was unremarkable, with the pacemaker generator palpable in the left subcostal region. ECG at that time demonstrated ventricular pacing with 100% capture and no evidence of atrioventricular conduction. Her chest x-ray revealed that the pacemaker lead completely encircled the cardiac silhouette and prompted concern for cardiac strangulation (Figure 1). A subsequent computed tomography scan showed a likely restrictive effect on both ventricles caused by the pacemaker lead encircling the heart with concern …

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker: early recognition and prevention

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker leads is a rare event that can be difficult to recognise and can cause serious complications such as cardiac failure or death. We describe a 3-year-old girl who received an epicardial pacing system as a neonate for complete congenital cardiac block and developed cardiac strangulation from the leads. The clinical presentation modes are reviewed and technical aspects for lead and generator positioning are discussed.

Transdiaphragmatic repositioning of the heart in the setting of emergency laparotomy after blunt trauma

Cardiac luxation after blunt trauma is a rare condition that carries a high mortality rate. We report a case of a left pericardial rupture with partial dislocation of the heart into the left pleural cavity and cardiac strangulation in a polytraumatized patient after a severe motor vehicle accident. This case is of special interest because the patient not only had cardiovascular compromise but was also actually in cardiac arrest and being resuscitated when an emergency repositioning of the heart through the diaphragm in the setting of damage control laparotomy restored circulation. This report stresses the need for a high index of suspicion for accurate early diagnosis of pericardial rupture.

The Cardiac Pendulum: Blunt Rupture of the Pericardium with Strangulation of the Heart

Blunt injury of the pericardium with strangulation of the heart is a rare clinical injury. We conducted a review of clinical records and performed prospective collection of forensic data from a large urban medical examiner's office. Ten cases of blunt injury to the pericardium were identified. All were secondary to blunt trauma. Nine of the 10 cases had associated chest wall injuries and 5 of the 10 cases had cardiac strangulation. Pericardial lacerations are common findings at autopsy. Clinically, those that survive to the hospital have a confusing presentation. They are often diagnosed during emergent thoracotomy for hemodynamic instability. Hemodynamic deterioration associated with change in patient position may be a clue to cardiac strangulation.

Cardiac strangulation, a rare complication of epicardial pacemaker leads during growth.

A six year old boy with an epicardial pacing lead since infancy presented with thoracic pain triggered by movement. The pain was thought to be musculoskeletal, but two weeks later...

Post-Operative cardiac strangulation

AbstractA patient is reported in whom cardiac strangulation occurred through a lateral pericardial defect surgically created for repair of congenital heart disease. To avoid this potentially fatal complication, the inferior rim of an iatrogenic lateral pericardial defect should be tacked down to preclude cardiac herniation.

Late Cardiac Strangulation due to an Iatrogenic Pericardial Defect

A 14-year-old boy developed broad posterolateral myocardial infarction. During cardiac surgery at age five, a small pericardial window had been made. Autopsy revealed an extensive left-sided pericardial defect and necrosis of the left ventricular free wall, which had herniated and strangulated through the enlarged pericardial defect.

Cardiac strangulation: Two-dimensional echo recognition of a rare complication of epicardial pacemaker therapy

Permanent epicardial pacemaker therapy is occasionally required in newborn infants for congenital complete heart block and in young infants for surgically acquired heart block. 1,2 In addition to the usual concerns encountered in any age group, such as lead fracture, pacemaker dysfunction, pericardial effusion and infection, 3–5 infants present the additional problem of requiring an adequate length of wire to allow for growth. We report an unusual complication of pacemaker therapy in a newborn: cardiac strangulation.