Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Due to Permanent Transvenous Pacemaker Electrodes: Successful Treatment with Combined Thrombolysis and Angioplasty

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome is a rare complication of permanent transvenous pacing electrodes. Multiple treatment options are available, namely thrombolytics, venoplasty, stenting, surgery, and combinations of the above, yet initially the optimal approach is uncertain. Whether plain balloon angioplasty provides durable and satisfactory long- term results is equally uncertain. The authors report a patient treated with a combination of local thrombolytic therapy and balloon venoplasty with good long-term outcome at two years of follow-up.