[Subclavian route placement of electrodes for permanent stimulation]

The subclavian vein gives a rapid, direct approach to the right heart cavities. The pacing catheter was introduced via the subclavian vein in a series of 187 patients. A no. 9 Desilets and Hoffman percutaneous catheter introducer may be used with most types of pacing catheter, including bipolar models. Complications were rare : one case of pneumothorax was observed. The subclavian vein approach simplified the operative procedure of implantation and offers a useful alternative in difficult cases of reimplantation.