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Document Details :

Title: Contralateral pneumothorax after endocardial dual-chamber pacemaker implantation resulting from atrial lead perforation
Author(s): H. Van Herendael , R. Willems
Journal: Acta Cardiologica
Volume: 64    Issue: 2   Date: 2009   
Pages: 271-273
DOI: 10.2143/AC.64.2.2036150

Abstract :
We describe the occurrence of a right-sided pneumothorax following a left-sided dual chamber pacemaker implantation, due to a perforation of the screw of the J-shaped active-fixation lead through the right atrial wall. A review of the literature regarding complications of different atrial lead types (passive vs. active and J-shape vs. straight) is provided. Current data suggest that passive-fixation leads could have an advantage, provided they can be positioned satisfactorily because of the lower risk of pericardial complications. If active-fixation leads are used, straight leads might be preferable above J-shaped leads because of the lower rate of perforation.