Paradoxical thromboembolic stroke during extraction of a recalled St Jude Medical Riata defibrillator lead with conductor externalization.

ABSTRACT

Recalled St Jude Medical Riata leads have a high rate of insulation failures with potential thrombogenic externalized conductors. We report a paradoxical thromboembolic stroke through a persistent foramen ovale during extraction of a lead with externalization. We suggest mandatory transesophageal echocardiography prior to extraction to screen for lead-related thrombosis and routes of right-to-left shunting to reduce risk of thromboembolic complications.