Screw-in atrial lead in a sick sinus syndrome patient with anomalous inferior vena cava

Jpn Heart J. 2001 Sep;42(5):639-44. doi: 10.1536/jhj.42.639.

Abstract

Anomalous inferior vena cava without intracardiac anomaly is an unusual condition. Herein, we report a 48-year-old female with left-sided inferior vena cava and azygous continuation. accompanied by sick sinus syndrome. This anomaly resulted in difficulty in implanting a traditional hook-on atrial lead. Atrial lead dislodgment occurred repeatedly soon after implanting the pacemaker because of an anomalous zygous vein draining into the superior vena cava, making a giant connection with the right atrium, thus eliminating the space of the atrial appendage for lead lodgment. Finally, we attempted to utilize a screw-in atrial lead in this patient and she is currently doing well. We therefore suggest that a screw-in atrial lead should be taken into account for such patients in order to obtain a stable fixation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azygos Vein / abnormalities
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Heart Atria
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / complications
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / therapy*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities*