Summary
During pacemaker implantation in a patient with permanent atrial fibrillation, it remained impossible to advance a passive fixation lead with fins through the right atrium. However, a lead with a retractable screw easily passed the right atrium and was positioned in the right ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed an extensive net–like perforated Eustachian valve within the right atrium that had caused entrapment of the anchor fins during lead implantation. Remnants of embryonal structures within the right atrium should be considered a rare possible barrier during pacemaker implantation.
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Dissmann, R., Schröder, J., Völler, H. et al. Entrapment of pacemaker lead by a large netlike Eustachian valve within the right atrium. Clin Res Cardiol 95, 241–243 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-006-0368-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-006-0368-9