Predictors of venous obstruction following pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: a contrast venographic study on 100 patients admitted for generator change, lead revision, or device upgrade

Venous obstruction following transvenous device implantation rarely cause immediate clinical problems. When lead revision or device upgrade is indicated, venous obstruction become a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of venous obstruction after transvenous device implantation, and to asess likely effects of antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs in preventing venous thrombosis.

Between March 2005 and July 2006, contrast venography was performed in 100 patients who were candidates for generator change, lead revision, or device upgrade. Vessel patency was graded as either completely obstructed, partially obstructed (>70%), or patent. The incidence of venous obstruction was 26%, with 9% of patients having total obstruction and 17% of patients exhibiting partial obstruction. No statistically significant differences between obstructed and non-obstructed patients were seen for age, sex, indication for device implantation, atrial fibrillation, cardiothoracic ratio, insulation material, operative technique, device type, and manufacturer (all P s > 0.05). In a univariate analysis, multiple leads ( P = 0.033), and presence of dilated cardiomyopathy ( P = 0.036) were associated with higher risk of venous obstruction, whereas anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy ( P = 0.047) significantly reduced incidence of venous obstruction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only number of the leads ( P = 0.039, OR: 2.22, and 95% CI: 1.03–4.76) and antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy ( P = 0.044, OR: 2.79, and 95% CI: 0.98–7.96) were predictors of venous obstruction.

Total or partial obstruction of the access veins occurs relatively frequently after pacemaker or ICD implantation. Multiple pacing or ICD leads are associated with an increased risk of venous obstruction, whereas antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy appears to have a preventive effect on development of access vein thrombosis.