Complication of Pacemaker Implantation: An Atrial Lead Perforation

The implantation of permanent pacemakers is increasing year by year, and these devices are constantly being improved. Atrial lead perforation is an infrequent but a critical complication of pacemaker implantation. Recently, there have been increasing reports on the complication with the advances made in imaging modalities, and moreover, computed tomography scans can reveal delayed atrial lead perforation even in asymptomatic patients. However, the details of this complication remain unclear, and it is difficult to decide an appropriate strategy for the patients. This chapter thus focuses on this rare but increasing complication of atrial lead following pacemaker implantation.