Septic paradoxical embolus through a patent foramen ovale after pacemaker implantation

A case of a septic paradoxic embolus due to an infected pacemaker lead associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is described. Treatment consisted of immediate intracardiac embolectomy, pericardial patch closure of the PFO, total removal of the infected pacemaker lead and generator, and placement of a new permanent epicardial lead pacemaker system.