Thrombus Formation on a Transvenous Pacemaker Electrode

Abstract

THROMBOEMBOLISM has not been a clinical problem after insertion of transvenous pacemaker electrodes despite the presence of an intracardiac foreign body. This report documents the presence of a large thrombus on the electrode, with subsequent pulmonary infarction.Case ReportB.P. (N.W. 68–15885), a 74-year-old woman with intermittent 2nd-degree heart block for 3 years, was admitted to the hospital because of syncopal episodes during the preceding month. On the 3d hospital day complete heart block with a ventricular rate of 25 per minute developed. A permanent demand transvenous pacemaker electrode§ was positioned at the apex of the right ventricle. Episodes of . . .