There are also a number of possible major complications that may occur. Your overall health will play an important part in the likelihood of these complications developing.

The major complications that are possible include:

• Blood clots

• Serious bleeding

• Infection

• Heart or lungs problems including:

o Irregular heart rhythms

o Lung or heart failure, and

o Pneumonia

• Collection of blood or fluid within the pocket

• Reaction to medication or anesthesia

• Blood vessel injury or spasm

• Organ damage, including the heart and its surrounding structures

• Nerve injury

• Disconnected lead wire which could get loose and float in the heart

• Stroke

• Heart attack, and

• Other rare and unlikely events.

Depending on the individual situation, a major complication may lead to a longer hospital stay, blood transfusion, another surgery, insertion of a new device or in rare cases, permanent disability, paralysis or loss of life.