[Removal of wasted endocavitary pacemaker electrodes by the epigastric route without cardiopulmonary bypass (author's transl)].

Wasted, embedded and infected endocavitary pacemaker electrodes responsible for severe septicaemia were removed on three occasions, using an original technique. The heart was approached through a subxyphoid or epigastric incision, and the right ventricule was entered through a short opening in its diaphragmatic surface. The cardiac incision was comprised within a U-shaped suture resting on two teflon felter strips. This technique does not require cardiopulmonary bypass.