Prevention of pacemaker-associated contact dermatitis by polytetrafluoroethylene sheet and conduit coating of the pacemaker system.

A 73-year-old female with sick sinus syndrome and atrial fibrillation was implanted with a ventricular demand inhibit pacemaker. She subsequently developed multiple episodes of skin irritation and necrosis. Skin patch testing revealed sensitivity to almost every component of the pacemaker system. The pacemaker was removed and replaced with a new pacemaker in which the generator was covered with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and the lead was covered with PTFE conduit. The patient suffered no further episodes of pacemaker-associated contact dermatitis.