[Clinical incidence of subclavian thromboses following pacemaker implantation]

Although pacemaker (PM) implantation has developed into a standard therapy in appropriate rhythm disorders the procedure is not free of complications. One of the most common problems is thrombotic alteration in the region of the entry of the pacemaker electrode into the venous system. To obtain more details of the incidence and extent of these complications, we investigated a total of 97 patients in two groups, clinically, phlebographically and by Doppler-ultrasound technique. 56 (30 males, 26 females, mean age 73 years) were examined 1 week, and 41 (18 males, 23 females, mean age 72 years) 1 year after PM implantation. The thrombotic changes were quantified and correlated to various anamnestic and clinical parameters with the following results: 1 week after implantation 25% of patients show thrombi with collaterals, in 15% shorter than, and in 10% longer than 3 cm. One complete obturation of the implantation vessel was recognized. Thrombotic changes without collaterals were found in 36%, in 25% shorter than, and in 11% longer than 3 cm. One year after PM implantation there are organized thrombi in 71%, 41% of these patients show collaterals phlebographically. The others had no hemodynamic changes. Of all the anamnestic and clinical parameters, a significant correlation was found only between development of thrombi and material of electrodes. Polyurethane electrodes have a significantly higher rate of thrombosis than silicone electrodes (p less than or equal to 0.0066).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)