docs here?--pacemaker surgery

I had a pacemaker implanted on February 12. Simple surgery, and I feel fine. I got word that my dad had passed out at the market 3 days ago. I went down 2 days ago when he had surgery to be with my mom. The paramedics that brought him to the hospital recorded a pulse of 33.  The doctor said the surgery went fine. I called my mom yesterday at noon to see if got home yet, as they were only supposed to keep him overnight for observation--surgery was at 4 PM the day before. He wasn't home yet. I called back at 5:30, and I heard something I couldn't believe. SOMEHOW, during implanting a pacemaker, one of his lungs wa*****tured !!!  I don't see how that could be possible, as the implant is below the collarbone above the heart.  She was told it was a minor perforation, and he had to be kept overnight again, and some xrays are to be done this morning. Any idea on how this could occur?????

I'm not a doc, I'm an RN, and what happened to your dad is not an uncommon event.  The pacemaker wires go thru the pleura (the sac the lungs are encased in) and anytime the pleura is compromised, there is the chance of a pneumothorax.  ie air in the space between the pleural sac and the lung itself.  If it is a small leak, they usually heal spontaneously.  If not, they may place a tube to remove the air.  Most of the time, this is a minor event with rapid recovery time.  Sure hope all goes well with your dad. Cindy