Percutaneous pacemaker lead extraction and stent implantation for superior vena cava occlusion due to pacemaker leads

To avoid the complications associated with extraction of old pacemaker leads, many operators simply abandon the lead and implant a new lead. This is usually well tolerated, and retrieval of redundant pacemaker leads is considered to be mandatory only for an infected pacemaker system.(1) Thrombo-occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) around pacing leads is rare, but when symptomatic, can be treated by thrombolysis or surgery.(2) Balloon dilation and stent implantation have also been described for SVC stenoses.(3,4) In this report, we describe percutaneous reconstruction of the SVC after total occlusion by endocardial pacemaker leads.