Percutaneous Transluminal Balloon Venoplasty: A Less Invasive Technique for Implantation of Cardiac Leads in Patients with Limited Venous Access to the heart

Abstract

Since its inception, cardiac pacing has made a significant advancement in cardiology. As new therapies and devices emerge, the number of implantations is steadily increasing which requires up-to-date clinical guidelines for management. Although advanced, these mechanical devices often require maintenance and revisions to achieve optimal performance. One of the most common deteriorations is the lead failure. In the case of lead failure requiring revision, new lead implant, or upgrading to a more advanced pacing system, venous stenosis resulting in partial or complete obstruction of the vessel can pose a real problem. This case series report introduces the technique of percutaneous transluminal balloon venoplasty in the setting of venous stenosis as an alternative to more invasive procedures such as lead extraction for lead revision or device upgrade.

Keywords

• Percutaneous transluminal balloon venoplasty
• pacemaker lead deterioration
• lead revision