Lost but Not Lost—Embolization of a Leadless Pacemaker to the Pulmonary Artery with Consecutive Endovascular Recovery

Abstract

Background: Leadless transcatheter pacemaker systems (TPS) have become a valuable alternative to transvenous pacemakers in selected indications. With the steadily increasing amount of TPS implantations performed worldwide, reports of periprocedural complications are likewise increasingly found in the literature but are still underreported. Case presentation: We report a case of a 75 year old male undergoing TPS implantation due to cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope. The implantation was primarily uneventful; adequate pacing parameters and fixation of the device were achieved. Unfortunately, dislocation of the leadless pacemaker occurred at the end of the procedure and the device embolized into a primary side branch of the right pulmonary artery. Endovascular retrieval was performed by using a single snare technique without any further complications. Conclusions: Although challenging, endovascular recovery of embolized TPS from the pulmonary artery is feasible and may be successfully accomplished by experienced implanters.