Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker leads: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads is a rare but potentially lethal complication associated with epicardial pacemaker implantation in growing children. Early diagnosis and quick lead removal are required to rescue patients suffering from cardiac strangulation. In April 2013, the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery, Japan Society of Arrhythmia and Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Society published information about cardiac strangulation from epicardial leads in children on the home page of each organization's website to increase awareness of this condition Here, we review ten previously reported cases and discuss cardiac strangulation from the point of view of the pediatric cardiologist.