Migration of an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patch causing massive hemothorax.

The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is composed of shocking electrodes (patches or coils), sensing electrodes, and a generator implanted in the abdominal wall. A number of complications with defibrillators have been reported, including migration of the various components. We describe a patient in whom one of the patches, originally sutured extrapericardially, migrated in the right hemithorax and eroded into the ipsilateral lung. The resultant massive hemothorax necessitated urgent thoracotomy, patch removal, and hematoma evacuation. A hybrid implantable cardioverter-defibrillator system was created as a replacement to minimize surgery while protecting the patient from sudden death.