Salvage of the Exposed Cardiac Pacemakers With Fasciocutaneous Local Flaps

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of salvage of the mechanically exposed cardiac pacemakers with fasciocutaneous local flaps in elderly patients. METHODS: Between January 2014 and January 2018, ten patients (six females, four males; mean age 66.2 years) who were treated due to pacemaker exposition were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Exposed pacemaker and the wires were dissected, and capsulectomy was performed. The expose pacemaker was covered with the fascioutaneous flap. RESULTS: Only one patient had hematoma formation at early stage and revision was performed. All patients were treated successfully. No complication was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction with fasciocutaneous local flaps is an effective treatment modality in case of mechanically cardiac pacemaker expositions in elderly patients.