Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wire Migration to the Pulmonary Artery in the Early Postoperative Stage

Abstract

Temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPWs) are widely used during open heart surgery to treat postoperative bradycardia or arrhythmia. They are usually removed, but the wire is cut at the skin entrance site if there is resistance upon removal. Residual TEPWs have risks of complications such as infection, but they rarely migrate to distant organs. We report a case of TEPW migration from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery during the early stage after acute type A aortic dissection surgery. Residual TEPW migration was detected incidentally during follow-up imaging for aortic dissection, and no other complications, such as residual wire infection or thrombus, were noted. The residual TEPW was safely treated using catheter therapy. This case report utilized existing patient information without intervention for research purposes, and the requirement for obtaining written patient consent was waived.