Percutaneous Recanalization of Superior Vena Cava Occlusions for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation – Tools and Techniques

Widespread use of indwelling intravascular catheters and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has led to an increase in venous occlusions involving the subclavian system,1 and rarely, the superior vena cava (SVC).2 Although some patients with SVC occlusion present with debilitating symptoms consistent with SVC syndrome, others have minimal symptoms or are entirely asymptomatic. When CIED leads are present within an SVC occlusion, contemporary transvenous lead extraction (TLE) tools can be used as a conduit to maintain vascular access after lead removal.

Source: Heart Rhythm - June 25, 2020 Category: Cardiology Authors: Naga Venkata K. Pothineni, C.Anwar A. Chahal, David S. Frankel, Fermin C. Garcia, Jay Giri, Joshua M. Cooper, Robert D. Schaller Source Type: research