Successful transvenous lead extraction of abandoned lead implanted through persistent left superior vena cava

Persistent left superior vena cava, the most common thoracic venous anomaly, may complicate transvenous lead extraction (TLE). We report a successful case of TLE in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava, despite a long dwelling time and several pocket revisions due to pocket infection. The lead was removed via a hand-powered mechanical extraction sheath, and postoperative complications did not occur. Complicated TLE cases may have a better outcome if performed in a high-volume center with experienced specialists.

Intermittent Occlusion of the Superior Vena Cava to Improve Hemodynamics in Patients With Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure: The VENUS-HF Early Feasibility Study

Background: Reducing congestion remains a primary target of therapy for acutely decompensated heart failure. The VENUS-HF EFS (VENUS-Heart Failure Early Feasibility Study) is the first clinical trial testing intermittent occlusion of the superior vena cava with the preCARDIA system, a catheter mounted balloon and pump console, to improve decongestion in acutely decompensated heart failure. Methods: In a multicenter, prospective, single-arm exploratory safety and feasibility trial, 30 patients with acutely decompensated heart failure were assigned to preCARDIA therapy for 12 or 24 hours. The primary safety outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events through 30 days. Secondary end points included technical success defined as successful preCARDIA placement, treatment, and removal and reduction in right atrial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Other efficacy measures included urine output and patient-reported symptoms. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled and assigned to receive the preCARDIA system. Freedom from device- or procedure-related major adverse events was observed in 100% (n=30/30) of patients. The system was successfully placed, activated and removed after 12 (n=6) or 24 hours (n=23) in 97% (n=29/30) of patients. Compared with baseline values, right atrial pressure decreased by 34% (17±4 versus 11±5 mm Hg, P <0.001) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased by 27% (31±8 versus 22±9 mm Hg, P <0.001). Compared with pretreatment values, urine output and net fluid balance increased by 130% and 156%, respectively, with up to 24 hours of treatment ( P <0.01). Conclusions: We report the first-in-human experience of intermittent superior vena cava occlusion using the preCARDIA system to reduce congestion in acutely decompensated heart failure. PreCARDIA treatment for up to 24 hours was well tolerated without device- or procedure-related serious or major adverse events and associated with reduced filling pressures and increased urine output. These results support future studies characterizing the clinical utility of the preCARDIA system. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03836079.

Implantation of a VDD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead via a persistent left superior vena cava

A persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) represents a challenging congenital abnormality for transvenous cardiac device implantation. In the current case a secondary prophylactic VDD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation was planned in a 75-year-old woman presenting with ischemic cardiomyopathy and elevated stroke risk. Since no venous communication to the right side was identified intraoperatively, the lead was placed via the persistent LSVC. The far-field signal on the floating atrial dipole could be successfully blanked out, and appropriate device function with high and stable atrial sensing was demonstrated at follow-up.

An Alternative Approach for a High Partially Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection to the Superior Vena Cava: “A Drawbridge Technique”

We present an alternative technique for the repair of a high partially anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava.

Recurrent cardiac hydatid cyst located near the root of the superior vena cava and the interatrial septum: a case report

Introduction: Cardiac localization of hydatid disease is rare (<3%) even in endemic countries. Affection characterized by a long functional tolerance and a large clinical and paraclinical polymorphism. Serious cardiac hydatitosis because of the risk of rupture requiring urgent surgery. The diagnosis is based on serology and echocardiography. The aim of this work is to show a case of recurrent cardiac hydatid cyst discovered incidentally during a facial paralysis assessment. Methods: We report the observation of a 26-year-old woman operated on in 2012 for pericardial hydatid cyst presenting a cardiac hydatid cyst located near the abutment of the SCV discovered incidentally during an exploration for left facial paralysis: NYHA stage II dyspnea. Chest x-ray: CTI at 0.48. ECG: RSR. Echocardiography: Image of cystic appearance at the level of the abutment of the SVC. SAPP: 38 mmhg, EF: 65%. Thoracic scan: 30/27 mm cardiac hydatid cyst bulging the lateral wall of the right atrium and the trunk of the right pulmonary artery with fissured cardiac hydatid cyst of the apical segment of the right lung of the right lower lobe with multiple bilateral intra parenchymal and sub pleural nodules. The patient was operated on under CPB. Intraoperative exploration: Presence of a hard and whitish mass, about 03 / 03cm developed in the full right atrial wall opposite the entrance to the superior vena cava. Procedure: Resection of the mass removing the roof of the LA, the AIS and the wall of the RA with reconstruction of the roof of the RA by patch in Dacron and reconstruction of the IAS and the wall of the RA by a single patch in Dacron. Results: The postoperative suites were simple. Conclusion: The hydatid cyst is still a real endemic in Algeria, the cardiac location is rare but serious and can constitute a real surgical emergency, hence the importance of prevention. Keywords: Hydatid cyst of the heart; Recurrence; Surgery; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Prevention