Managing superior vena cava syndrome in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device leads: Strategies and considerations

Background

Data on transvenous (TV) lead–associated superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome are limited. The management of this problem might require a multidisciplinary approach, often involving transvenous lead extraction (TLE) followed by angioplasty and stenting.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the management and outcome of TV lead–associated SVC syndrome.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with a diagnosis of SVC syndrome and TV leads at Emory Healthcare between 2015 and 2023.

Results

Fifteen patients with lead-related SVC syndrome were identified. The cohort average age was 50 years. Symptoms included swelling of the face, neck, and upper extremities (67%); shortness of breath (53%); and lightheadedness (40%). Patients had an average of 2 ± 0.7 leads crossing the SVC, with a lead dwell time of 9.8 ± 7.5 years. Thirteen patients were managed with TLE, followed by SVC stenting and angioplasty in 10 and angioplasty alone in 2; 1 patient had no intervention after TLE. One patient was managed with anticoagulation, and another had angioplasty and stenting with lead jailing. One patient experienced SVC perforation and cardiac tamponade during SVC stenting, which was managed successfully with a covered stent and pericardiocentesis. Among the 12 patients with TLE and angioplasty ± stenting, 7 underwent reimplantation of a transvenous lead. Two of those patients had symptoms recurrence, and none of the 5 patients without lead reimplantation had recurrence of symptoms.

Conclusion

Lead-related SVC syndrome management requires a multidisciplinary approach often including TLE followed by angioplasty and stenting. Avoiding TV lead reimplantation might help reduce symptoms recurrence.