Perioperative complications after pacemaker implantation: higher complication rates with subclavian vein puncture than with cephalic vein cutdown

Procedural and cardiovascular outcomes of geriatric vs non-geriatric patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation - a nationwide cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Permanent pacemaker implantation is increasing exponentially to treat atrio-ventricular block and symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. Despite being a minor surgery, immediate complications such as pocket infection, pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, hemopericardium, and lead displacement do occur.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 2016 to 2018 to identify patients with pacemakers using ICD-10 procedure code. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The sample size consisted of 443,460 patients with a pacemaker, 26% were <70 years (male 57%, mean age of (60.6±9.7) yr, Caucasian 70%) and 74% were ≥70 years (male 50%, mean age of (81.4±5.9) yr, Caucasian 79%). Upon comparison of rates in the young vs elderly: mortality (1.6% vs 1.5%; P<0.01), obesity (26% vs 13%; P<0.001), coronary artery disease (40% vs 49%; P<0.001), HTN (74% vs 87%; P<0.01), anemia (4% vs 5%; P<0.01), atrial fibrillation (34% vs 49%; P<0.01), peripheral artery disease (1.7% vs 3%; P<0.01), CHF (31% vs 39%; P<0.001), diabetes (31% vs 27.4%; P<0.01), vascular complications (1.1% vs 1.2%; P<0.01), pocket hematoma (0.5% vs 0.8%; P<0.01), AKI (16% vs 21%; P<0.01), hemopericardium (0.1% vs 0.1%; P = 0.1), hemothorax (0.3% vs 0.2%; P<0.01), cardiac tamponade (0.4% vs 0.5%; P<0.01), pericardiocentesis (0.4% vs 0.4%; P<0.01), cardiogenic shock (4% vs 2.3%; P<0.01), respiratory complications (1.9% vs 0.9%; P<0.01), mechanical ventilation (5.1% vs 2.9%; P<0.01); post-op bleed (0.5% vs 0.3%; P<0.01), need for transfusion (4.8% vs 3.8%; P<0.01), severe sepsis (0.6% vs 0.5%; P<0.01 ), septic shock (2% vs 1%; P<0.01), bacteraemia (0.8% vs 0.4%; P<0.01), lead dislodgement (1.4% vs 1.1%; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the overall complication rates were lower in the elderly despite higher co-morbidities. This aligns with previous studies which showed lower rates in the elderly. Hence providers should not hesitate to provide guideline driven pacemaker placement in the elderly especially in patients with good life expectancy.

Caudal fluoroscopic guidance for the insertion of transvenous pacing leads

BACKGROUND

Pneumothorax is a well-recognized complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertion. While AP fluoroscopy alone is the most commonly imaging technique for subclavian or axillary access, caudal fluoroscopy (angle 40°) is routinely used at our institution. The caudal view provides additional separation of the first rib and clavicle and may reduce the risk of pneumothorax. We assessed outcomes at our institution of AP and caudal fluoroscopic guided pacing lead insertion.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead insertion for pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices between 2011 and 2023. Both de novo and lead replacement/upgrade procedures were included. Data were extracted from operative, radiology, and discharge reports. All patients underwent postprocedure chest radiography.

RESULTS

Three thousand two hundred fifty-two patients underwent insertion of pacing leads between February 2011 and March 2023. Mean age was 71.1 years (range 16-102) and 66.7% were male. Most (n = 2536; 78.0%) procedures used caudal guidance to obtain venous access, while 716 (22.0%) procedures used AP guidance alone. Pneumothoraxes occurred in five (0.2%) patients in the caudal group and five (0.7%) patients in the AP group (p = .03). Subclavian contrast venography was performed less frequently in the caudal group (26.2% vs. 42.7%, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Caudal fluoroscopy for axillary/subclavian access is associated with a lower rate of pneumothorax and contrast venography compared with an AP approach.

Cephalic Vein Cutdown Is Superior to Subclavian Puncture as Venous Access for Patients with Cardiac Implantable Devices after Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) and subclavian vein puncture (SVP) are the most commonly used access sites for transvenous lead placement of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Limited knowledge exists about the long-term patency of the vascular lumen housing the leads.

METHODS

Among the 2703 patients who underwent CIED procedures between 2005 and 2013, we evaluated the phlebographies of 162 patients scheduled for an elective CIED replacement (median of 6.4 years after the first operation). The phlebographies were divided into four stenosis types: Type I = 0%, Type II = 1-69%, Type III = 70-99%, and Type IV = occlusion. Due to the fact that no standardized stenosis categorization exists, experienced physicians in consensus with the involved team made the applied distribution. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of stenosis Type III or IV in the CVC group and in the SVP group.

RESULTS

In total, 162 patients with venography were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of high-degree stenosis was significantly lower in the CVC group (7/89, 7.8%) than in the SVP group (15/73, 20.5%, p = 0.023). In the CVC group, venographies showed a lower median stenosis (33%) than in the SVP group (median 42%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the long-term patency of the subclavian vein is higher after CVC than after SVP for venous access in patients with CIED.

Assessment of Trend, Indication, Complications, and Outcomes of Pacemaker Implantation in Adult Patients at Tertiary Hospital of Ethiopia: Retrospective Follow Up Study

Background

A pacemaker is a device implanted in the chest to help people with symptomatic bradycardia and life-threatening irregular rhythm. However, it is also associated with many complications. Therefore, this study evaluated pacemaker-related complications and factors associated with them, as there is little data on pacemaker-related complications in sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted on 118 patients over 18 years old who had pacemakers implanted between 2017 and 2022 at Tikur Anbessa Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia who were reviewed by the authors from September 2022 to December 2022. Sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and complications data were extracted using a structured questionnaire by retrospective review of patient records. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate factors associated with complications.

Results

The median age of patients was 60.5 years (IQR = 15 years), with men accounting for 50.8% of patients. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (64.2%). Symptomatic grade 3 AV block was the most common indication (78.8%) for pacemaker implantation. With a mean follow-up of 3.92 ± 1.94 years, 15.3% of patients had complications. Pneumothorax, pocket site infection, and lead dislodgement were the most common complications occurring in 2.54% of patients each. Patient age during surgery (p-value = 0.02), patient gender (p-value = 0.04), pacemaker implanting team (p-value = 0.01), and adherence to follow-up (p-value = 0.04) are related to pacemakers-related complications.

Conclusion

Pacemaker implantation is associated with many complications. Pneumothorax, pacemaker pocket infection, and lead dislodgement were the most common complications. Patient age at pacemaker implantation, patient gender, pacemaker implanting team, and follow-up compliance were factors associated with pacemaker-related complications. Skill development through specialized training and compliance counseling may improve outcomes for patients who have complications related to pacemaker implanting team and poor adherence to follow.

Translation of Tools and Techniques from the Adult Electrophysiology World to Pediatric Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

This article reviews various opportunities to translate established and novel tools and techniques used in adult electrophysiology to pediatrics and the adult congenital heart disease population. There is a specific focus on preoperative management of special population, implantation techniques, and postoperative programming of devices.

Paradigm Shifts in Cardiac Pacing: Where Have We Been and What Lies Ahead?

The history of cardiac pacing dates back to the 1930s with externalized pacing and has evolved to incorporate transvenous, multi-lead, or even leadless devices. Annual implantation rates of cardiac implantable electronic devices have increased since the introduction of the implantable system, likely related to expanding indications, and increasing global life expectancy and aging demographics. Here, we summarize the relevant literature on cardiac pacing to demonstrate the enormous impact it has had within the field of cardiology. Further, we look forward to the future of cardiac pacing, including conduction system pacing and leadless pacing strategies.

Experience in the use of focused lung ultrasound in the intensive care practice

Surgical interventions, accompanied by a subclavian vein cannulation, are associated with the risk of pneumothorax. Timely detection of this condition reduces the risk of secondary complications. An effective and promising method for the early detection of pneumothorax is lung ultrasound.

Aim. To evaluate the routine bedside use of focused lung ultrasound in the early postoperative period in patients after surgical interventions accompanied by subclavian vein cannulation.

Material and methods. This retrospective analysis of 304 case records of patients after surgical interventions accompanied by subclavian vein cannulation was carried out. Patients underwent lung auscultation, lung ultrasound according to the Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) protocol 1 and 6 hours after surgery, or unscheduled with a saturation decrease <90%, the appearance of shortness of breath and/or chest pain. When pneumothorax signs were detected, patients underwent an emergency chest x-ray, and an elective x-ray was performed 1 day after the intervention.

Results. 304 case records were analyzed, lung ultrasound was performed in 187 (61,5%) men and 117 (38,5%) women. In 8 (2,63%) patients, 1 hour after surgery, an A-profile without lung sliding was detected. In 3 (0,99%) patients, auscultatory breathing weakening was noted, complaints of discomfort and pain during inspiration were noted by 5 (1,64%) patients. In all 8 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by x-ray. In 5 (1,64%) patients, a mild pneumothorax was detected, which did not require drainage, while 3 patients underwent pleural drainage.

Conclusion. Focused lung ultrasound using the BLUE protocol significantly improves the safety profile of patients after subclavian vein puncture, providing high levels of sensitivity and specificity in detecting pneumothorax.