Management of Gunshot Injury Involving Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device

Background: Firearm injuries involving cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) present unique challenges. Case Summary: We report a case of a 69-year-old male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, which directly damaged his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). After we ha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Saad A. Ali, DO, Nektarios Vasilottos, MD, Mithilesh K. Das, MBBS, MBA, Tanyanan Tanawuttiwat, MD, MPH
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:JACC: Case Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666084925005765
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Summary:Background: Firearm injuries involving cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) present unique challenges. Case Summary: We report a case of a 69-year-old male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, which directly damaged his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). After we had achieved hemodynamic stability in this patient, we extracted the ICD, in which a retained bullet was discovered embedded in the ICD’s circuit board. After the damaged ICD system was removed, a new system was implanted on the contralateral side. Discussion: This case underscores the complexities of managing firearm injuries involving CIEDs, highlighting considerations such as pacemaker dependency, infection risk, battery leakage, and procedural challenges. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
ISSN:2666-0849