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European Heart Journal 2002 23(18):1465-1470; doi:10.1053/euhj.2002.3260
Copyright © 2002 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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Treatment of superior vena cava obstruction secondary to pacemaker wires with balloon venoplasty and insertion of metallic stents

N. Teoa,f1, T. Sabharwala, E. Rowlandb, P. Curryc and A. Adama

a Department of Interventional Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
b Department of Cardiology, St Georges Hospital, London, UK
c Department of Cardiology, London Bridge Hospital, London, UK

revised March 19, 2002; accepted March 20, 2002

Abstract

Aims Pacemaker wires can result in stenosis of the superior vena cava and other central veins. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of treating stenoses of the superior vena cava (SVC) and central veins with balloon venoplasty and metallic stent insertion in the presence of cardiac pacemaker wires.

Methods and Results Three patients were referred to the department after developing symptomatic SVC obstruction following implantation of a cardiac pacemaker several years earlier. They were examined with duplex ultrasound and venography, which revealed significant stenoses of the central veins. These patients subsequently underwent endovascular treatment which involved balloon dilation and stent insertion. The treatment was successful in all three patients, without any complications. Long-term patency of up to 4 years is recorded. No pacemaker function dysfunction was encountered.

Conclusion SVC stenting is safe and effective in patients who develop the SVC obstruction after cardiac pacemaker insertion. Copyright 2002 The European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Key Words: Cardiac pacemaker, superior vena cava stenosis, balloon venoplasty, venous stenting

f1 Correspondence: Dr Ngee Teo, Department of Radiology, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK

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