Jackson J Liang1, Robert D Schaller2, Danesh S Modi3, Andres Enriquez2, Gregory E Supple2, Joshua M Cooper3. 1. Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: jackson.liang@uphs.upenn.edu. 2. Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 3. Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Device reimplantation after extraction because of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection in pacemaker-dependent patients can be challenging in individuals with limited access options. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe a straightforward, low lateral thoracic implantation technique for patients with a patent axillary vein but unavailable bilateral pectoral sites. METHODS: Nine pacemaker-dependent patients (mean age 70 ± 13 years, 7 male) who underwent CIED extraction and low lateral thoracic reimplantation in whom bilateral pectoral sites were unavailable were included in the study. RESULTS: Extraction was performed a median of 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-13) days before CIED reimplantation (4 dual-chamber, 3 single-chamber, 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy). The new generator was implanted in the low lateral thoracic region ipsilateral to the extracted generator in 7 patients (78%) and contralateral in 2 patients (22%), via a subcutaneous pocket in 6 (67%) and submuscular pocket in 3 (33%). Median procedure duration was 85 (IQR 61-116) minutes, median fluoroscopy time was 7.2 (IQR 5.7-10.9), minutes and median fluoroscopy exposure was 26.0 (IQR 10.0-110.5) mGy. No acute complications occurred. Over median follow-up of 92 (IQR 31-131) days, 1 patient experienced right atrial lead dislodgment (122 days postimplantation) requiring lead revision. No patients experienced recurrent device infection. CONCLUSION: In pacemaker-dependent patients with limited prepectoral and vascular access options, a low lateral thoracic implantation site is a viable alternative to surgical epicardial or femoral pacing systems. This simple implantation technique is a safe and effective option in selected patients who require a single-chamber, dual-chamber, or biventricular pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
BACKGROUND: Device reimplantation after extraction because of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection in pacemaker-dependent patients can be challenging in individuals with limited access options. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe a straightforward, low lateral thoracic implantation technique for patients with a patent axillary vein but unavailable bilateral pectoral sites. METHODS: Nine pacemaker-dependent patients (mean age 70 ± 13 years, 7 male) who underwent CIED extraction and low lateral thoracic reimplantation in whom bilateral pectoral sites were unavailable were included in the study. RESULTS: Extraction was performed a median of 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-13) days before CIED reimplantation (4 dual-chamber, 3 single-chamber, 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy). The new generator was implanted in the low lateral thoracic region ipsilateral to the extracted generator in 7 patients (78%) and contralateral in 2 patients (22%), via a subcutaneous pocket in 6 (67%) and submuscular pocket in 3 (33%). Median procedure duration was 85 (IQR 61-116) minutes, median fluoroscopy time was 7.2 (IQR 5.7-10.9), minutes and median fluoroscopy exposure was 26.0 (IQR 10.0-110.5) mGy. No acute complications occurred. Over median follow-up of 92 (IQR 31-131) days, 1 patient experienced right atrial lead dislodgment (122 days postimplantation) requiring lead revision. No patients experienced recurrent device infection. CONCLUSION: In pacemaker-dependent patients with limited prepectoral and vascular access options, a low lateral thoracic implantation site is a viable alternative to surgical epicardial or femoral pacing systems. This simple implantation technique is a safe and effective option in selected patients who require a single-chamber, dual-chamber, or biventricular pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.