Surgical Interruption of a Left Inferior Vena Cava Following the Transfemoral Implantation of a Permanent Pacing Lead

This report describes the case of a patient in whom, after an unsuccessful attempt through the subclavian vein, a permanent pacing lead was inserted through the femoral vein and a left inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. The procedure was followed 4 months later by a pulmonary embolism complicating a right femoroiliac thrombosis. The patient was successfully treated by a percutaneous lead extraction procedure combined with an inferior vena caval surgical interruption. (PACE 1997; 20Pt. I]:1365-1366)