Major cardiovascular injury complicating laser lead extraction: A case report and literature review

Abstract

A 55-year-old male status postinsertion of a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for ischemic cardiomyopathy 11 years earlier presented with right ventricular lead malfunction. While undergoing a transvenous laser lead extraction procedure, the patient developed sudden circulatory collapse from suspected injury to the superior vena cava (SVC). A prophylactically inserted bridge balloon stationed in the inferior vena cava was rapidly deployed in the SVC, temporarily controlling hemorrhage until emergency sternotomy and repair of the laceration with cardiopulmonary bypass support.