Innovative endovascular defibrillator lead use in superior vena cava obstruction.

Background: We describe an unusual case of severe heart failure (HF) and rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) improved through ablation and pacemaker implant despite superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO).

Methods: SVCO precluded upper body venous access to the heart for procedural rate control. Both AV Junctional ablation and permanent endovascular lead placement were achieved through the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Results: Clinical improvement from NYHA Class IV to Class II HF was observed with effective nonpharmacologic ventricular rate control.

Conclusions: HF patients with rapid AF and SVCO can achieve ventricular rate control through lower body venous access to the heart utilizing 100-cm endovascular defibrillator rate sensing leads.