Transvenous pacing lead-induced thrombosis: a series of cases with a review of the literature

Right atrial thrombosis after upgrading to a biventricular pacing/defibrillation system

A 56-year-old man under right ventricular pacing for atrial fibrillation and bradycardia had congestive heart failure. He received a cardiac resynchronization pacemaker with a defibrillator. Four months later, follow-up transthoracic echocardiography showed a right atrial mass although he had no symptom. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a large immobile round-shaped mass on the defibrillation lead, which was attached to the free wall of the right atrium. One month after the initiation of anticoagulant therapy, the mass disappeared, suggesting that it was thrombotic. During the 5 month follow-up, he remained in good condition without the recurrence of right atrial thrombosis.

[Vena cava superior syndrome: surgical treatment of the thrombosis of the superior vena cava after implantation of a hemodialysis catheter--a case report and review of the literature]

One of the rare reasons of the non malignant superior vena cava syndrome is the thrombosis of superior vena cava. Obstruction or occlusion of central veins is one of the many complications of the more and more frequently used central venous catheters and pacemaker electrodes. The authors report a case of superior vena cava thrombosis resulting in dialysis catheter insufficiency in case of a young, uraemic, female patient wit Tesio catheter and the surgical treatment of it with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass during the operation. Apropos of this case, the authors outline the causes of malignant, non-malignant and iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome, furthermore the conservative, surgical and catheter therapy of the syndrome.

What to do with an atrial thrombus?

This case report is about an 84-year-old woman admitted with right atrial thrombus attached to a pacemaker lead, diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. Surgical treatment was rejected due to the high operative risk, and percutaneous stenting was performed with success; unfortunately, the outcome was fatal and the patient died. We review here the clinical features of right atrial thrombi, including the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment, which is sometimes controversial.

Superior vena cava syndrome induced by endocardial defibrillator and pacemaker leads

Two cases of superior vena cava syndrome induced by endocardial defibrillator and pacemaker leads are described. The 2 patients had histories of multiple endocardial leads and device upgrades and venous thrombosis. The first patient was treated with laser lead extraction followed by percutaneous venoplasty and stenting. The second patient was treated conservatively with long-term anticoagulation. The 2 patients had symptomatic reduction. In conclusion, superior vena cava syndrome induced by transvenous leads is an uncommon but serious complication. Anticoagulation can be effective in select patients, but in severe cases, thrombolytic therapy or surgical or percutaneous intervention may be required.

Venous Obstruction After Pacemaker Implantation

BACKGROUND

Central vein leads are known to predispose to venous obstruction. Although usually asymptomatic, obstruction may render electrode removal difficult. This study aimed at quantifying changes in venous calibers in a prospective fashion by intravenous contrast venography (ICV) before and after pacemaker (PM) or cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty (mean age 67; 61% male) consecutive patients were enrolled, and followed for 6 months. A successful ICV was done at baseline prior to implantation and at 6-month follow-up in 136 (91%) patients. Minimum (D(min)) and maximum (D(max)) vessel diameters were obtained from both ICVs. A new stenosis was defined as a 50% diameter reduction in a venous segment when compared to baseline. We implanted a total of 230 electrodes: 47 (34.6%) single lead, 84 (61.8%) 2-lead, and 5 (3.7%) 3-lead systems.

RESULTS

At baseline ICV, 10 patients (7%) were found to have venous anomalies, including 8 patients with obstructive lesions, 1 patient with a persistent left superior vena cava, and 1 patient with double axillary vein. At 6 months, a new obstructive venous lesion had developed in a total of 19 (14%) patients, none of whom exhibited any local symptoms. Of these patients 14 (10%) had a stenosis (mean D(min) 4.6 mm and diameter 38% of baseline), and 5 (3.6%) had a complete venous occlusion. In most cases the new stenosis developed in a location where the vessel was narrowest at baseline. Clinical predictors for the development of stenosis were atrial fibrillation at baseline and biventricular PM implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic study to quantify venous changes after PM or ICD implantation. Our study shows that venous anomalies rendering PM implantation difficult are not infrequent. The incidence of new venous obstruction was 14%. Atrial fibrillation and biventricular PM implantation were independent predictors of venous obstruction.

Complications of Pacemakers and Defibrillators in the Elderly

Within the United States, the elderly population is projected to increase 126% by 2050, making those over the age of 65 the most rapidly growing segment in the population. Permanent pacemakers and defibrillators are important therapies with expanding indications for their use, and older persons constitute the majority of recipients of these devices. Recognizing complications associated with these cardiac devices is essential in caring for patients with them. Complications can be related to the implantation procedure and are most commonly lead dislodgement, pneumothorax, lead perforation, hematoma, and infection. Intrinsic device programming can also result in complications such as pacemaker syndrome, pacemaker-mediated tachycardia, and inappropriate shocks. Extrinsic factors, such as electromagnetic interference and physically manipulating the device, can also result in problems. Recent work suggests that older age, by itself, is not associated with a significant increase in the complication rates from these devices and should not preclude their use.

Pacemaker-Induced Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Clinical Evaluation of Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Pacemaker-induced superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a rare but serious complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. Because of its rarity, little is known about the long-term prognoses of such patients.

METHODS

Five patients, mean age 62 +/- 11.4 years, with pacemaker-induced SVC syndrome for more than 10 years were investigated. The clinical evaluation included: exercise testing, thrombophilia lab tests, and a chest CT.

RESULTS

Two of the patients manifested complications of SVC syndrome which included thoracoabdominal subcutaneous collaterals. One of these patients simultaneously developed an increase in the pacing threshold which required the implantation of epicardial leads. Three of the five patients had normal age-adjusted VO(2) AT und VO(2) max. Four of the patients were both heterozygous for a polymorphism of PAI-1 and were homozygous for a polymorphism of t-PA. One of these patients also was heterozygous for a polymorphism of factor V and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. The chest CTs revealed extensive and varying collateral circulation patterns in all of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of pacemaker-induced SVC syndrome is the result of various predisposing factors including thrombophilia. Many patients retain normal age-adjusted cardiopulmonary capacity and demonstrate stable clinical findings on the long-term as the result of the development of extensive collateral vessel systems. The most serious complication was the combination of SVC syndrome and the simultaneous malfunctioning of one of the leads requiring implantation of a new lead.

Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Thrombosis Associated with Permanent Transvenous Pacemaker Electrodes

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the diagnosis of PM-lead-associated central venous thrombi.

BACKGROUND

Venous thrombosis is not infrequent after pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Previous incidence studies of thrombosis have been based on venography or Doppler ultrasound, but the role of TEE has not been systematically evaluated in this setting.

METHODS

Study group comprised 66 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 67 % male) referred for implantation of their first PM or ICD and with a successful TEE, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and venography at 6 months after implantation. The total number of implanted leads was 110. During the 6 months of clinical follow-up, nuclear ventilation-perfusion scan or spiral computed tomography was performed when symptoms aroused a clinical suspicion of PE.

RESULTS

TEE revealed a right atrium (RA) or lower superior vena cava (SVC) thrombus in 6 (9%) patients. These thrombi were not visualized by TTE or venography. Additionally, 12 (20%) patients were found to have venographic subclavian or innominate vein thrombi, but none of those could be diagnosed with TEE. Symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) was diagnosed in two and an asymptomatic PE in one individual and two of these occurred among the six patients with a thrombus in TEE. No clinical predictors for thrombosis were found.

CONCLUSIONS

TEE is an excellent method to visualize electrodes within the RA and proximal SVC. Electrode-associated RA thrombi appear to be relatively common after PM implantation, and they may remain undetectable by venography or TTE. Although these thrombi are mostly asymptomatic, they can give rise to pulmonary embolism and should also be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of endocarditis. TEE is the method of choice for the diagnosis of these lesions.

Transvenous Pacing Leads and Systemic Thromboemboli in Patients With Intracardiac Shunts

BACKGROUND

The risk of systemic thromboemboli associated with transvenous leads in the presence of an intracardiac shunt is currently unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To define this risk, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 202 patients with intracardiac shunts: Sixty-four had transvenous leads (group 1), 56 had epicardial leads (group 2), and 82 had right-to-left shunts but no pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads (group 3). Patient-years were accrued until the occurrence of systemic thromboemboli or study termination. Censoring occurred in the event of complete shunt closure, death, or loss to follow-up. Mean ages for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 33.9+/-18.0, 22.2+/-12.6, and 22.9+/-15.0 years, respectively. Respective oxygen saturations were 91.2+/-9.1%, 88.1+/-8.1%, and 79.7+/-6.7%. During respective median follow-ups of 7.3, 9.3, and 17.0 years, 24 patients had at least 1 systemic thromboembolus: 10 (15.6%), 5 (8.9%), and 9 (11.0%) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Univariate risk factors were older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; P=0.0001), ongoing phlebotomy (HR, 3.1; P=0.0415), and an transvenous lead (HR, 2.4; P=0.0421). In multivariate, stepwise regression analyses, transvenous leads remained an independent predictor of systemic thromboemboli (HR, 2.6; P=0.0265). In patients with transvenous leads, independent risk factors were older age (HR, 1.05; P=0.0080), atrial fibrillation or flutter (HR, 6.7; P=0.0214), and ongoing phlebotomy (HR, 14.4; P=0.0349). Having had aspirin or warfarin prescribed was not protective. Epicardial leads were, however, associated with higher atrial (P=0.0407) and ventricular (P=0.0270) thresholds and shorter generator longevity (HR, 1.9; P=0.0176).

CONCLUSIONS

Transvenous leads incur a >2-fold increased risk of systemic thromboemboli in patients with intracardiac shunts.

Placement of Transvenous Pacemaker and ICD Leads Across Total Chronic Occlusions

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method of implantation for device leads across total venous occlusions.

BACKGROUND

Indications for pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator implantation continue to expand. Chronic venous occlusions are increasingly encountered with lead placement. Some degree of obstruction can be as high as 13% before device implantation and 50% after transvenous device implantation. We report an approach of venoplasty/dilatation of chronic total occlusions to allow lead placement.

METHODS

From January 1, 2002 through December 16, 2004, 1,356 systems (initial and upgrade) were implanted at the University of Virginia. At the time of device implant, seven patients were noted to have chronic venous occlusions and alternative access was precluded. Four of the seven patients had an existing system; the other three received initial implantations. Subsequently, these seven patients had a 5 Fr catheter placed in the basilic/axillary/subclavian vein and a venogram was obtained to demonstrate the area of chronic occlusion. A guide wire was advanced across the lesion for initial recanalization. Dilatation or venoplasty was performed at the occluded site. A guide wire was retained across the lesion and the patient underwent lead implantation.

RESULTS

In all seven patients, recanalization was achieved and leads were successfully placed. There were no complications or damage to the vessels or existing leads.

CONCLUSIONS

Venoplasty or dilatation of chronic total venous occlusion is a safe and effective technique, which allows for placement of transvenous leads.

Vena Cava 3D Contrast-Enhanced MR Venography: A Pictorial Review

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE MRV) is a sensitive and accurate method for diagnosing vena cava pathologies. The commonly used indirect approach involves a nondiluted gadolinium contrast agent injected into an upper limb vein or, occasionally, a pedal vein for assessment of the superior or inferior vena cava. In our studies, a coronal 3D fast multi-planar spoiled gradient-echo acquisition was used. A pre-contrast scan was obtained to ensure correct coverage of the region of interest. We initiated contrast-enhanced acquisition 15 sec after the start of contrast agent injection and performed the procedure twice. The image sets were obtained during two 20-30-sec breath hold, with a breathing rest of 5-6 sec, to obtain the first-pass and delayed arteriovenous phases. For patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, a third acquisition coinciding with late venous phase was collected to visualize the hepatic veins, which was carried out by one additional acquisition after a 5-6-sec breathing time. This review describes the clinical application of 3D CE MRV in vena cava congenital anomalies, superior and inferior vena cava syndrome, Budd-Chiari syndrome, peripheral vein thrombosis extending to the vena cava, pre-operational evaluation in portosystemic shunting and post-surgical follow-up, and road-mapping for the placement and evaluation of complications of central venous devices.

Central Venous Occlusion Is Not an Obstacle to Device Upgrade with the Assistance of Laser Extraction

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted lead extraction for upgrade of existing pacemakers and defibrillators in patients with central venous obstruction.

BACKGROUND

Implantable cardiac defibrillators and biventricular pacing have become the accepted therapeutic measures for patients with congestive heart failure. Many patients who are candidates for device therapy, however, already have existing right ventricular leads and the presence of central venous obstruction. Upgrade of existing devices in these patients is a dilemma, which is increasingly encountered by device-implanting physicians. Laser-assisted extraction of existing leads can facilitate access for device upgrade and provide an alternative to lead abandonment and contralateral implant.

METHODS

We review our experience with laser-assisted lead extraction in patients, referred for upgrade of existing devices, who were found to have, or known to have, ipsilateral subclavian vein occlusion.

RESULTS

Over the past 3 years, 18 patients (13 men, 5 women; mean age 63.9 +/- 16 years) with subclavian vein occlusion underwent successful laser-assisted lead extraction (total 29 leads) and upgrade of existing leads to defibrillators and/or biventricular systems. Mean implant duration prior to extraction was 70.8 +/- 43.5 (11-192) months. Cannulation of the coronary sinus and placement of a transvenous left ventricular lead were achieved in all 13 patients in whom it was attempted. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser-assisted lead extraction is a safe and effective approach, allowing for ipsilateral device upgrade in patients with existing devices and central venous obstruction.

Venous Thrombosis and Stenosis After Implantation of Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Venous complications of pacemaker/ implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system implantation rarely cause immediate clinical problems. The challenge starts when patients come for system revision or upgrade. Numerous reports of venous complications such as stenosis, occlusions, and superior vena cava syndrome have been published. We reviewed current knowledge of these complications, management, and their impact on upgrade/revision procedures. One study has suggested that intravenous lead infection promotes local vein stenosis. Another found that the presence of a temporary wire before implantation is associated with an increased risk of stenosis. Although data for ICD leads is based only on three studies-it suggests that the rate of venous complications is very similar to that of pacing systems, and probably data from pacing leads can be extrapolated to ICD leads. Despite 40 years of experience with transcutaneous implanted intravenous pacing systems and dozens of studies, we were unable to identify clear risk factors (confirmed by independent studies) that lead to venous stenosis. Neither the hardware (lead size, number and material) nor the access site choice (cephalic cut down, subclavian or axillary puncture) appears to affect rate of venous complications. A few factors were proposed as predictors of severe venous stenosis/occlusion: presence of multiple pacemaker leads (compared to a single lead), use of hormone therapy, personal history of venous thrombosis, the presence of temporary wire before implantation, previous presence of a pacemaker (ICD as an upgrade) and the use of dual-coil leads. Anticoagulant therapy (for other reasons than pacemaker lead) seemed to have protective antithrombotic effect.

Emergent permanent pacemaker implantation in a premature 1,502 g neonate

We report a case of an emergent pacemaker implantation in a 1,502 g preterm neonate immediately after birth due to congenital complete atrioventricular block. At a gestational age of 29 weeks the patient was delivered by cesarean section followed by unsuccessful drug treatment of the atrioventricular block. Sixty-five minutes after birth the patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Through a subxyphoid approach, a lead was fixed to the epicardium of the right ventricle, and connected to a pulse generator inserted between the rectus abdominus muscle and posterior rectus sheath. The patient is alive and well 16 months after the operation without pacemaker failure.

Pacemaker lead thrombosis treated with atrial thrombectomy and biventricular pacemaker and defibrillator insertion

Right atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are infrequent complications of pacemaker insertion. We report a patient with a large mobile thrombus on an endocardial DDD pacing lead and probable pulmonary embolism. We believe that this is the first case of pacemaker lead thrombosis in which treatment included insertion of an epicardial biventricular pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Percutaneous treatment of superior vena cava obstruction following transvenous device implantation

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous treatment of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction following transvenous device implantation. SVC obstruction is an uncommon but serious complication that can occur following permanent pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator implantation utilizing transvenous endocardial leads. The treatment has traditionally been surgical but with the advent of stents, percutaneous approach is becoming popular. We report on the prevalence of SVC obstruction and the safety of its percutaneous catheter-based treatment. This is a retrospective study of SVC obstruction following device implantation in our institution from January 1993 through November 2003. A total of 1,850 permanent pacemaker and 1,200 implantable cardioverter defibrillator initial implants were performed during that period. Three patients developed SVC obstruction following implant (prevalence, 1/1,000 implant). Two patients were males and the mean age at implant was 57 +/- 13 years. Laser lead extraction and SVC angioplasty with or without stenting were performed in all patients. In two of them, this was followed by reimplantation of new systems. There were no procedural complications or mortality. The patients remain free of SVC obstruction symptoms 24 +/- 19 months after treatment. SVC obstruction prevalence after device implantation is low. Percutaneous treatment of SVC obstruction can be safely performed and appears to be effective in maintaining medium-term patency.

Endovascular management of venous thrombotic diseases of the upper torso and extremities

Central venous thrombosis in the upper torso can be either primary, occurring as a result of longstanding extrinsic compression, or secondary, resulting from an acquired intrinsic occlusive disease or foreign body. As in lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), anticoagulation therapy is the mainstay of therapy in upper torso and upper extremity DVT. However, in the presence of severely symptomatic acute thrombosis, pharmacologic and/or mechanical thrombolytic therapy represent the main invasive form of therapy for these conditions. After clearance of the acute thrombotic component, definitive management in patients with underlying anatomic abnormalities can be undertaken. Primary subclavian axillary vein thrombosis caused by extrinsic obstruction at the thoracic outlet is treated with thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation followed by surgical decompression, whereas secondary causes of central venous obstruction and thrombosis are usually amenable to endovascular treatment with balloon angioplasty and stent placement. Postoperative interval anticoagulation is usually recommended. In addition to clinical follow-up, imaging follow-up with duplex sonography or conventional venography is usually recommended to assess the presence of restenosis and/or residual compression.

[Superior vena cava syndrome secondary to intracavitary implantation of a pacemaker]

The appearance of superior vena cava syndrome secondary to benign disease is rare, and it is extremely rare for this condition to develop as a result of the presence of intraluminal catheters. We report two cases of superior vena cava syndrome secondary to implantation of intracavitary pacemakers. We discuss different types of treatment.