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. 2014 Mar 12;14(2):65-74.
doi: 10.1016/s0972-6292(16)30731-8. eCollection 2014 Mar.

A novel method of placing right ventricular leads in patients with persistent left superior vena cava using a conventional j stylet

Guillermo Mora  1
Affiliations

A novel method of placing right ventricular leads in patients with persistent left superior vena cava using a conventional j stylet

Guillermo Mora. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. .

Abstract

Background: Locating pacemaker electrodes can become complicated by congenital abnormalities such as persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC).

Objective: To evaluate a technique for the implanting of ventricular electrode in patients with persistent LSVC.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out from June 2001 to June 2010 involving all patients who were admitted to the Hospital Universitario Mayor, Instituto de Corazon de Bogota and Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael (Bogota-Colombia) for implanting pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators. LSVC was diagnosed by fluoroscopic observation (anterior-posterior view) of the course of the stylet. Four steps were followed: 1) Move the electrode with a straight stylet to the right atrium. 2) Change the straight stylet by a conventional J stylet and push the electrode to the lateral or anterolateral wall of the right atrium. 3) Remove the guide 3-5 cm and 4) Push the electrode which crosses the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and finally deploy the active fixation mechanism.

Results: A total of 1198 patients were admitted for pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator implant during the 9-year study period, 1114 received a left subclavian venous approach. There were 573 males and 541 females. Persistent LSVC was found in five patients (0.45%) Fluoroscopy time for implanting the ventricular electrode ranged from 60 to 250 seconds, 40 to 92 minutes being taken to complete the whole procedure.

Conclusion: We present a simple and rapid technique for electrode placement in patients with LSVC using usual J guide and active fixation electrodes with high success.

Keywords: implantation; pacemaker; persistent left superior vena cava.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Movement of the electrode tip when removing the J stylet
Figure 2
Figure 2
Electrode with J stylet inside carried right atrium until the tip is placed opposite the tricuspid valve (1) and while we maintain the fixed electrode, the J stylet is removed 3 cm, we observe the movement of the electrode tip into the right ventricle (2).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Defibrillator electrode implanted in the right ventricular apex.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pacemaker electrode implanted in the right ventricular septum
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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