Leadless pacemaker implantation in superobese patient

Abstract

Background: A 70 years-old superobese man (weighted 230 kg) was referred to our hospital for recurrent syncope due to asystole alternating to atrial fibrillation. Convectional pacing was highly challenging; therefore, it was decided to implant a leadless pacemaker in a multidisciplinary intervention with surgical management of the femoral venous access. Methods: In a fully equipped operating room with bariatric table and appropriately dimensioned fluoroscope, a vascular surgeon performed surgical isolation of the right common femoral vein. After that, we proceeded to insert sheaths via the femoral vein, and through that a steerable transcatheter delivery system for the device. Results: The implant was successful without complication. Conclusions: Leadless pacemaker implantation can be effectively and safely performed even in superobese patients. Vascular access, fluoroscopic guidance and electronic interrogation could be easily managed and do not constitute a limit.

Keywords

• leadless pacemaker
• super obesity
• vascular surgery
• fluoroscopy