Key result
Permanent pacemaker implantation is linked to ipsilateral pneumothorax in ~1% of cases.
Case Report
Highlights the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of a rare complication (contralateral pneumothorax and pneumopericardium) following dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.
Rare contralateral pneumothorax merits vigilance after pacemaker implantation; case report extends known complications but leaves open incidence and mechanisms.
Approximately 180,000 patients undergo permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation in the United States each year.1 Although pacemaker implantation usually is considered a safe procedure, it can be associated with potential complications such as pocket hematoma, infection, lead dislodgment, pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade. Pneumothorax, which has been reported to occur in 1% of pacemaker implantations,2 usually is caused by needle injury while gaining entry to the axillary or subclavian vein. As such, pneumothorax almost always is ipsilateral to the pacemaker.
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Nantsupawat et al. (2018) conducted a case report in Pneumothorax and pneumopericardium after pacemaker implantation. Permanent pacemaker implantation was evaluated. Permanent pacemaker implantation is associated with pneumothorax in approximately 1% of cases, which is almost always ipsilateral to the pacemaker.
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