Permanent Pacemaker-Related Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Series of 20 Cases

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome, recurrent thromboembolism, and bleeding after upper extremity vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Data on complications after upper extremity vein thrombosis (UEVT) are limited and heterogeneous.

METHODS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pooled proportions of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, bleeding, and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with UEVT. A systematic literature review was conducted of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from January 2000 to April 2023 in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. All studies included patients with UEVT and were published in English. Meta-analyses of VTE recurrence, bleeding, and of PTS after UEVT were performed to compute pooled estimates and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses of cancer-associated UEVT and catheter-associated venous thrombosis were conducted. Patients with Paget-Schroetter syndrome or effort thrombosis were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 55 studies with 15,694 patients were included. The pooled proportions for VTE recurrence, major bleeding, and PTS were 4.8% (95% CI, 3.8%-6.2%), 3.0% (95% CI, 2.2%-4.0%), and 23.8% (95% CI, 17.0%-32.3%), respectively. The pooled proportion of VTE recurrence was 2.7% (95% CI, 1.6%-4.6%) for patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 1.7% (95% CI, 0.8%-3.7%) for patients treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and 4.4% (95% CI, 1.5%-11.8%) for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs; P = .36). The pooled proportion was 6.3% (95% CI, 4.3%-9.1%) for cancer patients compared with 3.1% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.6%) for patients without cancer (P = .01). The pooled proportion of major bleeding for patients treated with DOACs, LMWH, and VKAs, was 2.1% (95% CI, 0.9%-5.1%), 3.2% (95% CI, 1.4%-7.2%), and 3.4% (95% CI, 1.4%-8.4%), respectively (P = .72). The pooled proportion of PTS for patients treated with DOACs, LMWH, and VKAs was 11.8% (95% CI, 6.5%-20.6%), 27.9% (95% CI, 20.9%-36.2%), and 24.5% (95% CI, 17.6%-33.1%), respectively (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study suggest that UEVT is associated with significant rates of PTS and VTE recurrence. Treatment with DOACs might be associated with lower PTS rates than treatment with other anticoagulants.

Imaging in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: part 2-imaging after device implantation. A clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) improve quality of life and prolong survival, but there are additional considerations for cardiovascular imaging after implantation-both for standard indications and for diagnosing and guiding management of device-related complications. This clinical consensus statement (part 2) from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association, provides comprehensive, up-to-date, and evidence-based guidance to cardiologists, cardiac imagers, and pacing specialists regarding the use of imaging in patients after implantation of conventional pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The document summarizes the existing evidence regarding the role and optimal use of various cardiac imaging modalities in patients with suspected CIED-related complications and also discusses CRT optimization, the safety of magnetic resonance imaging in CIED carriers, and describes the role of chest radiography in assessing CIED type, position, and complications. The role of imaging before and during CIED implantation is discussed in a companion document (part 1).

Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Humeral Vein After Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: A Family Physician's Perspective

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon, under-reported, and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Although the strong provoking risk factors of venous thromboembolism are well described in the literature, the majority of cases are provoked by weak risk factors or are even considered unprovoked. In this case report, we describe a rare case of a brachial DVT in a woman in her 40s following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. In her first evaluation, slight left arm edema and brachialgia were noted, and physiotherapy was prescribed. One month later, the patient was reevaluated because her complaints did not resolve, and an upper extremity venous ultrasound was done to exclude complications due to ICD implantation. The ultrasound identified an old DVT, which had been completely recanalized. The patient was then referred to a vascular surgery specialty consultation, which confirmed the diagnosis, and an anticoagulant was prescribed for three months. The symptoms resolved, and the patient did not report any more pain.

Risk for recurrence of symptomatic upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients without cancer: Analysis of three RIETE cohorts

BACKGROUND

The natural history of patients with a pacemaker-related upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) has not been consistently studied.

METHODS

We used the RIETE registry data to compare the outcomes during anticoagulation and after its discontinuation in noncancer patients with symptomatic UEDVT associated with a pacemaker, other catheters, or no catheter. The major outcome was the composite of symptomatic pulmonary embolism or recurrent DVT.

RESULTS

As of February 2022, 2578 patients with UEDVT were included: 156 had a pacemaker-related UEDVT, 557 had other catheters, and 1865 had no catheter. During anticoagulation, 61 patients (2.3%) developed recurrent VTE, 38 had major bleeding (1.4%), and 90 died (3.4%). After its discontinuation, 52 patients (4.4%) had recurrent acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) and six had major bleeding (0.5%). On multivariable analysis, there were no differences among subgroups in the rates of VTE recurrences or major bleeding during anticoagulation. After its discontinuation, patients with a pacemaker-related UEDVT had a higher risk for VTE recurrences than those with no catheter (adjusted OR: 4.59; 95% CI: 1.98-10.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pacemaker-related UEDVT are at increased risk for VTE recurrences after discontinuing anticoagulation. If our findings are validated in adequately designed trials, this may justify changes in the current recommendations on the duration of anticoagulation.

EHRA expert consensus statement and practical guide on optimal implantation technique for conventional pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Latin-American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)

With the global increase in device implantations, there is a growing need to train physicians to implant pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Although there are international recommendations for device indications and programming, there is no consensus to date regarding implantation technique. This document is founded on a systematic literature search and review, and on consensus from an international task force. It aims to fill the gap by setting standards for device implantation.

Pacemaker-associated Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Treated with Catheter-directed Thrombolysis

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare and severe form of deep venous thrombosis that is classically associated with the lower extremities. We report a case of upper extremity PCD developing abruptly in a 37-year-old female with an indwelling cardiac pacemaker who presented to the emergency department complaining of pain and paresthesias in her left arm, adjoining left chest wall, and inferior neck. Her condition was promptly diagnosed and successfully treated with intravenous unfractionated heparin and balloon venoplasty with catheter-directed thrombolysis without any known residual signs or symptoms at hospital discharge.

Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Diagnosis and Considerations for Management

Atrial fibrillation is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a prevalence of 22-32 %. The impact of atrial fibrillation on overall survival, left ventricular function, thromboembolic stroke and quality of life is crucial. This review enlightens incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical symptoms. Early recognition of atrial fibrillation is essential. Monitoring methods for early detection are described. Finally effective therapy options are discussed including oral anticoagulation and the role of interventional catheter-based ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation in HCM patients.

Consequences of Retained Defibrillator and Pacemaker Leads After Heart Transplantation-An Underrecognized Problem

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are common in patients undergoing heart transplantation (HT), and complete removal is not always possible at the time of transplantation.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the frequency of retained CIED leads and clinical consequences in consecutive HT patients from 2013 to 2016. Clinical outcomes included bacteremia, upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT), lead migration, and inability to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients (55 ± 11 years of age, 76% male) were identified; 37 (27%) had retained lead fragments (RLFs) at discharge. Patients with RLFs were older, had longer lead implantation time before HT, and a higher prevalence of dual-coil CIED leads compared with those without RLFs (P < .05 for all). Lead implantation time was identified as an independent predictor for RLFs (P < .05). Patients with RLFs had a higher frequency of DVT compared with the non-RLF group during the 1-year study period (42% vs 21%; P < .04). There was no difference in bacteremia. Fourteen patients (38%) could not undergo clinically indicated MRI.

CONCLUSION

RLFs after HT occur commonly and are associated with a higher rate of UEDVT and limit the use of MRI. Although no significant difference was found in the rates of bacteremia between the groups, this finding might be explained by the overall low incidence. Patients with risk factors for RLFs should be identified before transplantation, and complete lead removal should be considered with a multidisciplinary approach.

Neointimal fibrotic lead encapsulation - Clinical challenges and demands for implantable cardiac electronic devices

Every tenth patient with a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implanted is expected to have at least one lead problem in his lifetime. However, transvenous leads are often difficult to remove due to thrombotic obstruction or extensive neointimal fibrotic ingrowth. Despite its clinical significance, knowledge on lead-induced vascular fibrosis and neointimal lead encapsulation is sparse. Although leadless pacemakers are already available, their clinical operating range is limited. Therefore, lead/tissue interactions must be further improved in order to improve lead removals in particular. The published data on the coherences and issues related to lead associated vascular fibrosis and neointimal lead encapsulation are reviewed and discussed in this paper.

Global health resource utilization associated with pacemaker complications

AIM

To estimate health resource utilization (HRU) associated with the management of pacemaker complications in various healthcare systems.

METHODS

Electrophysiologists (EPs) from four geographical regions (Western Europe, Australia, Japan, and North America) were invited to participate. Survey questions focused on HRU in the management of three chronic pacemaker complications (i.e. pacemaker infections requiring extraction, lead fractures/insulation breaches requiring replacement, and upper extremity deep venous thrombosis [DVT]). Panelists completed a maximum of two web-based surveys (iterative rounds). Mean, median values, and interquartile ranges were calculated and used to establish consensus.

RESULTS

Overall, 32 and 29 panelists participated in the first and second rounds of the Delphi panel, respectively. Consensus was reached on treatment and HRU associated with a typical pacemaker implantation and complications. HRU was similar across regions, except for Japan, where panelists reported the longest duration of hospital stay in all scenarios. Infections were the most resource-intensive complications and were characterized by intravenous antibiotics days of 9.6?13.5 days and 21.3?29.2 days for pocket and lead infections respectively; laboratory and diagnostic tests, and system extraction and replacement procedures. DVT, on the other hand, was the least resource intensive complication.

LIMITATIONS

The results of the panel represent the views of the respondents who participated and may not be generalizable outside of this panel. The surveys were limited in scope and, therefore, did not include questions on management of acute complications (e.g. hematoma, pneumothorax).

CONCLUSIONS

The Delphi technique provided a reliable and efficient approach to estimating resource utilization associated with chronic pacemaker complications. Estimates from the Delphi panel can be used to generate costs of pacemaker complications in various regions.

Automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator implantation may precipitate effort-induced thrombosis in young athletes: a case report and literature review

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common finding after implantation of an automatic implantable cardiac defrillator (AICD). We describe the case of a patient who developed a left upper extremity DVT 4.5 months after implantation of an AICD and was found to have a lead-induced stenosis with possible underlying Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) in the midbrachiocephalic vein on venography. While his symptoms resolved after the combination of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, angioplasty, and anticoagulation, his long-term management is complicated by the presence of both PSS and lead-induced stenosis. Herein, we discuss his presentation, treatment, and future management options.