The Bridge Occlusion Balloon for Venous Angioplasty in Superior Vena Cava Occlusion

Abstract

The Bridge Occlusion Balloon is a compliant balloon, specifically designed for temporary Superior vena cava occlusion in case of Superior Vena Cava laceration during lead extraction procedures. We here report the first case, using Bridge Occlusion Ballon for a venous angioplasty in a patient with dysfunctional pacemaker leads and symptomatic Superior Vena Cava occlusion. After successful lead extraction, venography was showing a narrow venous canal. Therefore, venous angioplasty using the Bridge balloon was performed. Especially for high-risk lead extraction cases in patients with Superior Vena Cava stenosis, the Bridge Occlusion Ballon might be used as a combination of a safety-net in case of Superior Vena Cava perforation and for Superior Vena Cava angioplasty.

Strategy of pacemaker and electrode replacement for superior vena cava stenosis

“…Venous stenosis angioplasty is performed to expand a stenosed lumen during installation or replacement of a cardiac implant. 9 The femoral vein, 10 – 12 iliac vein, 13 , 14 and other vascular channels can be chosen to directly avoid the stenosis or absence of the SVC to complete the operation. However, angioplasty is difficult and risky.…”

Successful upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy for cardiac implantation-associated left subclavian vein occlusion: A case report

“…Also, retrograde angioplasty from the femoral vein to pass the obstruction may be an option. Another choice could be to use a laser sheath as a lead extraction tool, as described by Pecha et al [ 6 ] and Hasumi et al [ 7 ] However, a laser sheath is not enough in the vast majority of hospitals in China. For this patient, we finally fixed a Radifocus guidewire tip and proximally cut the lead portions instead of using a bulldog lead extender to pass the lesion and perform venoplasty.…”