Management of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Overcoming Lead and Vascular Complications With Transcatheter Pacing System Implantation

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-08, Vol.16 (8), p.e67754
• Main Authors: Rodriguez-Santiago, Maria A, Sepulveda, Hector E, Sotomonte, Juan C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy; Asymptomatic; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery; Cardiology; Case reports; Heart; Pacemakers; Patients; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67754

Isolated persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly typically found incidentally due to its asymptomatic nature. However, it can present technical challenges for device implanters. We report a case involving a patient with PLSVC, for whom the implantation of a transcatheter pacing system proved to be the most effective long-term solution. Although this venous anomaly initially provided a safe pacing route, it eventually led to early complications. The patient, a 78-year-old Puerto Rican man with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and complete atrioventricular block, experienced multiple complications with pacing devices. After a failed left-sided pacemaker implant, a right-sided single-chamber ventricular device was placed, but it led to right ventricular lead fractures and was eventually abandoned. A new pacing system implanted in the left chest lasted only a year. Venography revealed a patent PLSVC with a previously implanted device now obstructed by an occluded left brachiocephalic vein. After laser-assisted extraction, a dual-chamber device was successfully implanted through the PLSVC. Despite unremarkable physical and lab results, the patient later showed syncope and high lead impedances with fractures in both leads and total PLSVC occlusion. A transcatheter pacing system was chosen to address the complex anatomical issues and abandoned hardware. Atrial synchronized pacing was confirmed the morning after implantation, and the patient was safely discharged. Ensuring a stable ventricular rhythm is crucial for patients with complete heart block. When hemodynamic stability is compromised by recurrent lead fractures and rare anatomical variants, implanters must consider alternative solutions. In this case, a transcatheter system was selected to avoid further lead and pocket-related complications and mitigate the risks of additional laser-assisted extractions. At the end of the device's lifespan, a new device can be implanted without significant anatomical issues, and the epicardial route remains a viable option if necessary.