Right Ventricular Perforation by a Defibrillator Lead Migrating to the Left Breast

Abstract

Cardiac perforation after an ICD implantation is a rare complication, with a reported incidence between 0.6-5.2%. Its manifestation might be acute, subacute, or delayed, with an acute perforation occurring within the first 24 hours after implantation, frequently accompanied by severe clinical signs, while subacute and delayed perforations have a more benign progression. Here, we report a case of a 69-year old patient with an acute right ventricular perforation by a defibrillator lead migrating all the way through the pericardium and thoracic wall into the left breast, with an unusually mild and benign clinical course, delaying prompt diagnosis and postponing subsequent surgical treatment. Heart perforation with a defibrillator electrode is a rare but dangerous complication, which may lead to pacing failure, cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock, and even death. Even with a benign clinical course, one must think of cardiac wall perforation at any time after device implantation, and a contrast enhanced computer tomography (CTA) must be performed if perforation is suspected. At re-implantation, the lead should be located at a different anatomical position within the RV, preferably at the interventricular septal site, and manipulation of the injury site within the RV avoided.