A unique pacemaker complication of thrombus formation in the right internal jugular vein due to unusual migration of an atrial pacemaker electrode

Abstract

Our report describes the late migration of an atrial screw-in lead into the right internal jugular vein causing subsequent subclinical thrombus formation at the tip of the electrode. Previously initiated anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation may have prevented complete occlusion of the internal jugular vein. Therefore, prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered for patients in whom permanent pacing leads are dislodged into central veins and cannot be removed.