Ventricular pacemaker lead in the left hemithorax: Mechanisms and evidence‐based management of a late‐onset hazardous complication

Late‐onset migration of pacing leads in the left hemithorax is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication. Radiological examinations are required to detect any involvement of either left ventricle or lung parenchyma, prompting immediate surgical extraction in this setting. Identification of high‐risk patients is mandatory to prevent this complex iatrogenic complication.
Lead migration in the left hemithorax is a dreadful complication. Computed tomography of the thorax is the diagnostic cornerstone and should prompt off‐pump surgical extraction. High‐risk patients liable to develop this complication should be recognized before device implantation, and less traumatic, passive‐fixation leads might be used in this setting.