Biventricular ICD Placement Percutaneously Via the Iliac Vein: Case Reports and a Review

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been demonstrated to improve symptoms of heart failure. As a result, it has become the standard of care in selected patients, and is commonly completed with three leads placed via an upper-extremity vein. However, in rare situations, such as in the case of superior vena cava occlusion, venous access is not possible via the upper extremity. It is in such instances that alternative means must be sought. Here, two patients who received a CRT defibrillator via an iliac vein approach with a mid-abdominal generator are introduced, and a review of the techniques used is presented. Technical aspects to this approach are discussed, including iliac venous access, defibrillation electrode positioning, coronary sinus access, and lead tunneling to an abdominal generator for patient comfort. This approach should be considered when vascular access is compromised, at least until combined leadless CRT pacing and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices become available and feasible for use.