title: Ventricular lead dysfunction and subclavian vein stenosis: when problems come in pairs.
abstract: The widespread and increasing use of cardiac devices implantation naturally augments the number of device related complications. Lead failure is a known complication associated with increased morbidity, mortality and need for reintervention.Chronic stenosis or occlusions of coronary, cephalic or subclavian veins, especially at the site of previous device implantation,can limit lead passage through the target vein, imposing great technical difficulties, especially in patients needing follow-up procedures such as lead revisions and/or system upgrades. Venous balloon angioplasty can be a valuable and safe tool for successful implantation, helping to avoid more complex and hazardous procedures. The authors report the case of a 65 years old male presenting with a "Sprint Fidelis" defibrillator lead malfunction and severe asymptomatic left subclavian vein stenosis after cardiac resynchronization defibrillator therapy. The patient was submitted to a successful percutaneous balloon venoplasty in order to regain adequate venous access and enable reimplantation of the right ventricular lead.
authors: Departamentos de Cardiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular do Centro Hospitalar do Alto Ave, Guimarães, Portugal.
authors: Joana
authors: J
authors: Guardado
authors: Vitor Hugo
authors: VH
authors: Pereira
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Fernandes
authors: Vitor
authors: V
authors: Sanfins
authors: Celso
authors: C
authors: Carrilho
authors: João
authors: J
authors: Simões
authors: António
authors: A
authors: Lourenço
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000379:methods; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000473:pathology