Long-term follow-up of left ventricular pacing via a posterior cardiac vein after mechanical tricuspid valve replacement.

Permanent cardiac pacing was recommended in a 66-year-old woman with mechanical prosthetic mitral and tricuspid valves. To avoid a thoracotomy, a conventional endocardial lead was inserted with a steerable stylet (Locator) into the posterior cardiac vein via the right cephalic vein. Four weeks later, lead dislodgement required reoperation. The lead position remained stable up to 29 months.