Suicide attempt by complete self-removal of a 12-year-old permanent pacemaker system: case report

INTRODUCTION: Psychological adaption after pacemaker implantation can be challenging in patients with psychiatric disease. Suicide by self-removal of a permanent pacemaker system is a rare phenomenon described in a few cases in patients with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe a case of attempted suicide by complete self-removal of a 12-year-old permanent pacemaker system in a 70-year-old male patient with a bipolar disorder and a history of previous suicide attempts.

CONCLUSIONS: Suicide attempt by self-removal of a permanent pacemaker system is very rare. In patients with a history of psychiatric disease and previous suicide attempts, careful information about the function of a pacemaker should be given.