Bilateral Pneumothorax After Unilateral Subclavian Vein Cannulation for Pacemaker Implantation: A Case Report

Ipsilateral pneumothorax is a common complication of pacemaker implantation due to transvenous lead placement. We report a case of bilateral pneumothorax after unilateral subclavian vein cannulation for pacemaker implantation. An 85-year-old woman underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for symptomatic atrioventricular block. The transvenous leads were inserted through the left subclavian vein under fluoroscopy and contrast venography, and bilateral pneumothorax was noted the day after implantation, although echocardiography and computed tomography showed no pericardial effusion or lead extrusion. A chest tube was placed in the left chest cavity, which was removed one week later without complications.