Kolkata’s Manipal Hospital EM Bypass has successfully treated a 76-year-old man from Patna, Bihar, who had been battling a persistent pacemaker-related infection for nearly ten years. The case, caused by incomplete lead removal during earlier procedures, was handled by Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director of the Cath Lab and Senior Interventional Cardiologist, along with his specialised team.
The patient, Bipin Poddar, a businessman, first received a pacemaker on the right side of his chest in 2015 at a hospital in Patna. Three years later, it was removed and replaced on the left side, but the original lead from the right-side implant was only partially extracted severed and left inside. Over time, this caused a slow-growing infection that worsened with each passing year.
A subsequent surgery in 2021-22 failed to resolve the problem, leading to months of unrelenting high fever and weakness.
Explaining the complexity of the case, Dr. Kumar said,
“Cardiac implantable electronic devices have transformed the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, but infections especially when leads are not fully removed can be life-threatening. In Mr. Poddar’s case, the embedded lead had created a chronic infection pathway for almost a decade. Removing it was extremely challenging due to previous scar tissue and the high risk of complications.”
The team opted for a carefully planned procedure combining complete extraction of the infected lead with the implantation of a leadless pacemaker an approach considered safer in such cases.
“In India, there is limited data on performing both transvenous lead extraction and leadless pacemaker implantation together in pacemaker-dependent patients. This case highlights the growing role of advanced techniques in managing complex cardiac infections,” Dr. Kumar added.
The surgery was successful, the infection was eradicated and Mr. Poddar was discharged in stable condition.
Sharing his gratitude, Mr. Poddar said, “I struggled for years with recurring fever and fatigue. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in Patna, the real cause was never addressed. At Manipal Hospital, Dr. Kumar and his team not only identified the root problem but treated me with exceptional care. I feel like I have been given a new life.”