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Minimizing complications from temporary epicardial pacing wires after cardiac surgery
Minimizing complications from temporary epicardial pacing wires after cardiac surgery
PA-PSRS has received reports of complications from the placement of temporary epicardial pacing wires during open heart surgery. One report was of bleeding from the insertion site, leading to pericardial tamponade post-operatively. The tamponade was treated with pericardiocentesis, and the patient was returned to the OR for correction of the underlying leak. The other report was of a fatal, exsanguinating hemorrhage into the chest upon post-operative removal of an atrial pacing wire, because the removal of the wire tore the child's atrium. These two reports represent the Scylla and Charybdis of temporary epicardial pacing wire placement, leaking and binding. PA-PSRS asked Dr. James McClurken, a cardio-thoracic surgeon with expertise on this topic, to comment. John R. Clarke, M.D., Editor
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