Cardiology in the young
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Cardiology in the young · Oct 2007
Timing of removal of pacing wires following paediatric cardiac surgery.
Temporary percutaneous epicardial pacing wires are routinely placed in children following cardiac surgery. There is uncertainty in clinical practice about the optimum timing for their removal, and practice varies widely both within and between different institutions. ⋯ Our study shows that no patient who was in sinus rhythm for the first 24 hours post-operatively required pacing before their discharge from hospital. This suggests that, in those patients in a stable state of sinus rhythm, and who have not required pacing within the first 24 hours, it may be safe to remove pacing wires after 24 hours. This could be timed to coincide with the removal of chest drains, thus avoiding the need for multiple distressing procedures.
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Cardiology in the young · Oct 2007
Case ReportsEmbolization of a pulmonary arterial pseudoaneurysm with endovascular coils.
Unrecognized pseudoaneurysm or rupture of a pulmonary artery is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication of pulmonary arterial catheterization. Herein, we describe a teenage patient with a pulmonary arterial pseudoaneurysm, probably iatrogenic, who presented with haemoptysis following catheterization of the right heart. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully embolized using coils inserted by catheter. Increased awareness of this lesion, its rapid recognition, and prompt therapy are the keys to a successful outcome.