Key result
Two patients with transvenous permanent pacemakers developed superior vena cava syndrome due to thrombosis around a broken pacing wire, which failed to resolve with medical therapy.
Case Report (n=2)
Retained broken pacing wires can cause major venous thrombosis and superior vena cava syndrome, leading to the suggestion that prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered if the wire cannot be easily removed.
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Alerts clinicians to SVC syndrome from fractured pacemaker leads; leaves open optimal management beyond collaterals.
Two patients with transvenous permanent pacemakers developed thrombosis and occlusion of the superior vena cava around a broken pacing wire, with clot extending into the innominate, subclavian, and axillary veins. Both patients had symptoms and signs of the superior vena cava syndrome which failed to resolve despite anticoagulant and thrombolytic treatment. Obstruction to venous flow, however, was relieved in large measure by the development of collateral venous channels. One of the patients has shown mild symptoms for two years and the other for two months of follow-up. It is suggested that anticoagulant prophylaxis should be given to all patients with a broken wire which cannot easily be removed.
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Krug et al. (1980) conducted a case report in Transvenous permanent pacemakers with broken pacing wire (n=2). Broken pacing wire was evaluated on Thrombosis and occlusion of the superior vena cava. Two patients with transvenous permanent pacemakers developed superior vena cava syndrome due to thrombosis around a broken pacing wire, which failed to resolve with medical therapy.
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