Complications of retained epicardial pacing wires: an unusual bronchial foreign body.

The use of temporary epicardial pacing wires after open cardiac operations has been associated with a low morbidity. Complications can be divided into those encountered during placement, removal, or retention of these wires. We describe herein an unusual complication of a retained temporary epicardial pacing wire presenting as a posterior mediastinal mass and as a bronchial foreign body.