Coronary Sinus Stenting for the Management of Left Ventricular Lead Displacement during Resynchronization Therapy: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

In patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), loss of left ventricular (LV) stimulation occurs chiefly because of LV lead dislodgement. The occurrence rate of LV lead dislodgement in different reports is between 2% and 12% of patients. LV lead dislodgement precludes clinical improvement. We describe 2 patients with heart failure, fulfilling the criteria for CRT implantation. In both patients, right ventricular and right atrial leads were implanted via the left subclavian vein in the right ventricular apex and the right atrial appendage, respectively. Repeated LV lead implantation was unsuccessful and each time after the fixation, the LV lead was dislodged with the heart motion during systole and diastole. In order to stabilize the LV lead, we decided to benefit from coronary sinus stenting and lead entrapment behind the deployed stent. LV lead stabilization was accomplished by the deployment of bare-metal stents (Multi-Link 3.5 × 8 mm and Multi-Link 3 × 8 mm, Abbott Vascular) in order to entrap the LV lead. The stents were deployed at a nominal pressure (10 atm). The pacing performance of the LV leads was satisfactory and stable at midterm in our experience. Stenting within the coronary sinus seems to be a safe method for LV lead stabilization and can substantially boost the success rate of CRT. Our device analysis during short- and midterm follow-up (4 months after implantation) revealed acceptable LV lead threshold and impedance.