20 LEAD-RELATED SUPERIOR VENA CAVA SYNDROME IN A PACEMAKER-DEPENDENT PATIENT: A HYBRID PROCEDURE

We report a case of a 77-years-old man admitted to our department because of facial plethora, prominent venous collateral over the anterior chest wall, marked swelling of the head and upper extremities. His medical history was notable diabetes, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), eradicated HCV, AV block, for which he underwent placement of a dual-chamber pacemaker 4 years earlier. A superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome lead-related was documented on angio-CT scan and phlebography. After a multidisciplinary team discussion, a treatment strategy was designed to consist of transvenous lead extraction, SVC reconstruction and epicardial pacing placement. At 5 months follow-up, he was completely relieved of symptoms. Conclusion Lead-associated SVC syndrome is a rare condition and there is no standard management protocol. Data are lacking and we need at least a registry to make the treatment homogeneous. In this specific patient, a hybrid procedure based on lead extraction and reconstruction of superior vena cava was safe and effective for the relief of symptoms and maintenance of SVC patency. Heparin alone will not lead to the resolution of the disease if the disease is at an advanced stage. Learning outcomes Patients with lead-induced superior vena cava syndrome often required a multidisciplinary approach. A hybrid procedure based on transvenous lead extraction and reconstruction of superior vena cava is safe and effective to achieve relief of symptoms, maintenance of SVC patency, and adequate pacing.