Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
Superior vena cava syndrome after pacemaker implantation treated with direct oral anticoagulation
Nicola Mumoli1, Antonino Mazzone2, Isabella Evangelista2
1Department of Internal Medicine,, Ospedale Fornaroli, via Donatori Sangue, 50, 20013, Magenta, MI, Italy. nicola.mumoli@asst-ovestmi.it.
Insights
Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome is a rare complication following pacemaker implantation. This case shows complete resolution of SVC syndrome with three months of oral anticoagulation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome is a rare but serious complication post-pacemaker lead implantation.
- Most patients remain asymptomatic due to collateral circulation development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of SVC syndrome following transvenous pacemaker implantation.
- To highlight the efficacy of oral anticoagulation in resolving pacemaker-induced SVC syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 75-year-old woman.
- Transvenous pacemaker implantation.
- Treatment with 3 months of oral anticoagulation.
Main Results:
- The patient developed SVC syndrome post-pacemaker implantation.
- Complete resolution of SVC thrombosis was achieved after 3 months of oral anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
- While malignancy is a common cause of SVC syndrome, iatrogenic causes like intravascular devices are increasing.
- Transvenous leads may cause intimal injury or stenosis, leading to SVC syndrome.
Background:
Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome, is a quite rare but serious complication after pacemaker lead implantation; most patients are asymptomatic due to the development of adequate venous collateral circulation.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a 75-year-old woman who developed SVC syndrome after transvenous pacemaker implantation with complete resolution of the thrombosis after 3 months of oral anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
Generally other causes as malignancy are considered to be the most common etiology of SVC syndrome, but benign iatrogenic causes, mainly intravascular devices (central vein catheters, cardiac defibrillators and pacemaker wires), are becoming increasingly common. Procedures performed on venous vasculature, causing a possible intimal injury or vein stenosis, provoked by transvenous leads, seem to be the most reasonable explanation for the observed complication.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

