Key result
Post-extraction TEE identifies benign right atrial ghosts, preventing unnecessary interventions.
Case Report (n=1)
Accurate identification and differentiation of benign residual fibrous tissue ('ghosts') from pathological structures using TEE after lead extraction is essential to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
May support TEE differentiation of benign ghosts post-extraction; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
The term "ghost" refers to residual fibrous tissue that remains within the cardiovascular system following the removal of implanted device leads. In this case, a 75-year-old male underwent a transvenous lead extraction procedure prompted by an infection. After the procedure, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a stable "ghost" in the right atrium. Figures and videos dynamically depicted the ghost's morphology, clearly showing that one end of this spectral entity was firmly attached to the atrial wall, while the other end displayed unrestrained mobility within the bloodstream. After undergoing a thorough evaluation that confirmed the benign nature of the "ghost", there was evidently no need for medical intervention. In summary, the article portrayed a rare yet intriguing "ghost" observed during the perioperative period. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the crucial significance of accurately distinguishing between these "ghosts" and genuinely pathological structures. Such differentiation holds immense importance in preventing unnecessary medical interventions.
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Li et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Pacemaker infection and residual fibrous tissue ('ghost') post-lead extraction (n=1). Transvenous lead extraction and transesophageal echocardiography evaluation was evaluated on Clinical outcome and management of the right atrial 'ghost'. Transesophageal echocardiography successfully identified a benign residual fibrous 'ghost' in the right atrium following transvenous lead extraction, avoiding unnecessary medical intervention.
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