Authors
- Josip Kedžo — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0003-3845-7199
- Zrinka Jurišić — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0001-7583-9036
- Toni Brešković — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0001-7266-2087
- Marina Jurić Paić — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0003-4117-0105
- Ivan Pletikosić — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0001-5925-090X
Keywords
implantable cardiac electronic devices, cephalic approach, complications
DOI
https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2018.332Full Text
Introduction: Literature suggests that cephalic approach is more beneficial than subclavian access in preventing complications when performing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantation. In recent survey by European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) cephalic vein as venous access for lead implantation was the preferred approach in 60% of the centres ( 1 ). In University Hospital Centre Split, we prefer cephalic cut - down as first choice for venous approach in single and dual chamber pacemaker implantation. The aim of study was to analyze the success rate of cephalic cut - down in dual chamber pacemaker implantation. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed data regarding dual pacemaker chamber implantation from January 2016 to October 2018. During that period 194 dual chamber pacemakers were implanted. Cephalic vein access was achieved by dissection and direct visualization. When needed, to facilitate entry into cephalic vein we used hydrophilic guidewire and/or introducer sheath. In 118 cases (61%) both leads were inserted using cephalic access exclusively. One lead by cephalic cut down and another by subclavian venipuncture was performed in 34 (18%) cases. In 42 (21%) implantations subclavian venipuncture was required for implantation of both leads. Conclusion : Our results are in concordance from data of EHRA survey. Use of refinements of the cut-down cephalic approach might obviate puncture of subclavian/axillary veins in majority of cases.