Polytetrafluoroethylene-coated pacemaker leads as surgical management of contact allergy to silicone

Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jan;97(1):328-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.04.135.

Abstract

We have previously reported an 18-year-old girl with a congenital heart defect who developed complete heart block after one of her corrective surgeries and who needed an epicardial pacemaker implantation. She developed contact sensitivity to silicone compounds. The problem was solved by implanting a silicone-free pacemaker system utilizing silicone-free transvenous leads. The patient was readmitted 2 years later due to lead failure. As no silicone-free epicardial leads were available, we decided to use standard silicone epicardial leads and enclose the whole system in Gore-Tex material (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). Based on our experience we would discourage the use of silicone-free transvenous pacing leads for epicardial use.

Keywords: 24.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / diagnosis
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / surgery
  • Adolescent
  • Atrioventricular Block / etiology
  • Atrioventricular Block / therapy*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / methods
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / pharmacology*
  • Retreatment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Silicones / adverse effects*
  • Suture Techniques
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Silicones
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene