Table 1: Risk factors for cardiac perforation

by pacemaker electrodes.

Patient-related factors

Factors related to the implant or technique

• > 80 years of age

• Female

• BMI < 20 kg/m2 (underweight)

• Use of steroids

• Comorbidities such as T2DM, HTN

• Electrode thickness and stiffness

• Active fixation mode

• Excessive electrode tension

• Temporary transvenous pacemaker

• Non-septal tip location

• Operator experience

BMI = body mass index.

HTN = hypertension.

T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus.