Minimizing complications from temporary epicardial pacing wires after cardiac surgery

Minimizing complications from temporary epicardial pacing wires after cardiac surgery

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Author(s):
McClurken, James B., author
Contributor(s):
Pennsylvania. Patient Safety Authority, issuing body.
ECRI (Organization), issuing body.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices, issuing body.
Publication:
[Harrisburg, Pa.] : Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, [2006]
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Cardiac Pacing, Artificial -- adverse effects
Device Removal -- adverse effects
Medical Errors -- prevention & control
Pacemaker, Artificial -- adverse effects
Pericardium -- injuries
Postoperative Complications -- prevention & control
Pennsylvania
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
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
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY-NC-DC license. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (7 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
101727484 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101727484