Symptomatic Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis After Laser Lead Extraction

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 Aug 4;38(5):e20220361. doi: 10.21470/1678-9741-2022-0361.

Abstract

Introduction: Laser lead extraction is a well-established method for removing unwanted leads with low morbidity and mortality. In this small series of cases, we documented our experience with venous thrombosis after laser lead extraction.

Methods: Retrospective data of patients who underwent laser lead extraction with postoperative axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis between May 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed. Demographic, operative, clinical, and follow-up characteristics of those patients were collected from our medical database.

Results: Six patients underwent percutaneous laser lead extraction. Mean age of the patients was 64±7 years. And four of them were male. A total of 11 leads with a mean age of 92±43.8 months were extracted. Patients presented with painful arm swelling postoperatively.

Conclusion: Laser lead extraction may lead to symptomatic upper extremity deep venous occlusion.

Keywords: Arm; Morbidity; Subclavian Vein; Vascular Diseases; Venous Thrombosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arm / blood supply
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subclavian Vein* / surgery
  • Upper Extremity
  • Venous Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis* / etiology