A case of pacemaker lead fracture associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.

A pacemaker lead fracture in the left subclavian vein was caused by compression of the clavicle and the first rib; subsequent coil elongation at the same site on the right side was observed in the replacement lead in a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome. Venography showed narrowing of the subclavian vein at the site where the lead abnormalities were observed. This case illustrates that a lead in the subclavian vein can be easily damaged when a patient has thoracic outlet syndrome.