Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Complication of Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome developed in 4 of 1,000 patients in whom a transvenous pacemaker had been implanted. In all cases, endocardial leads were inserted through the cephalic vein and positioned at the apex of the right ventricle. The classical signs and symptoms of superior vena cava hypertension were observed from two weeks to one year after implantation, and the diagnosis was confirmed by cavography. Symptoms resolved following heparin therapy and long-term anticoagulation.

Unusual cause of superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed with transesophageal echocardiography

“…3,4 Although thrombus formation is a relatively common complication of indwelling central venous catheters and pacemakers, 5,6 the development of symptomatic SVC syndrome is rare, with a reported incidence of 0.03 to 0.04%. 7,8 Superior vena cava syndrome caused by thrombus with a superimposed fungal infection is also rare. of note, removal of the catheter does not eliminate the risk of obstruction, and SVC syndrome has been previously reported to develop after catheter removal, as in our case.…”

Chylothorax following Innominate Vein Thrombosis – A Rare Complication of Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation

“…Thrombotic occlusion of the axillary, subclavian or innominate veins and of the superior vena cava due to transvenous endocardial pacing electrodes is an extremely rare occurrence [1],as is superior vena caval obstruction [3], in spite of the intravenous location of the pacing electrodes. Thrombosis of these veins does occur following permanent placement of foreign bodies within them.…”

“…Thrombosis of these veins does occur following permanent placement of foreign bodies within them. Central venous catheters and other intravascular devices such as pulmonary artery catheters, pacemaker wires and hyperalimentation catheters frequently result in clinical or subclinical thrombosis [3]. …”

Chylothorax following Innominate Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Complication of Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation

“…Thrombotic occlusion of the axillary, subclavian or innominate veins and of the superior vena cava due to transvenous endocardial pacing electrodes is an extremely rare occurrence [1] and so is superior vena caval obstruction [3], in spite of the intravenous location of the pacing electrodes. Thrombosis of these veins does occur following permanent placement of other foreign bodies within them.…”

“…Thrombosis of these veins does occur following permanent placement of other foreign bodies within them. Central venous catheters and other intravascular devices such as pulmonary artery catheters, pacemaker wires and hyperalimentation catheters frequently result in clinical or subclinical thrombosis [3]. …”