Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire
07:47

The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire

Published on: December 23, 2014

Occlusion of the subclavian vein associated with cephalic vein pacemaker electrodes

B R Crook, P Gishen, C R Robinson

    The British Journal of Surgery
    |May 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Transvenous pacing electrodes inserted via the cephalic vein rarely cause major vein occlusion. This study found a low incidence of thrombosis, suggesting the cephalic vein is a safe and convenient access route for cardiac pacing.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Vascular Surgery
    • Medical Devices

    Background:

    • Transvenous pacing electrodes are used for permanent cardiac pacing.
    • Venous thrombosis and occlusion are potential complications.
    • The frequency of these complications via the cephalic vein is not well-established.

    Observation:

    • A review of 125 patients undergoing permanent cardiac pacing with transvenous electrodes via the cephalic vein was conducted.
    • Clinical and venographic assessments were performed.
    • Further venography was performed on 20 patients.

    Findings:

    • Subclavian vein occlusion was clinically and venographically evident in only 3 out of 125 patients.
    • No radiographic evidence of venous occlusion was found in 20 patients undergoing venography.
    • Minor thrombosis associated with the pacemaker electrode was identified in one patient.

    Implications:

    • The cephalic vein is a convenient route for transvenous pacing electrode insertion.
    • The risk of major venous occlusion is low.
    • The benefits of using the cephalic vein outweigh the minimal risks for cardiac pacing procedures.

    More Related Videos

    Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing12:45

    Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

    Published on: December 11, 2017

    Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein05:51

    Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein

    Published on: January 13, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

    Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

    Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
    Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
    Veins of Head and Neck01:19

    Veins of Head and Neck

    The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
    On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
    Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

    Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

    Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
    Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

    Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

    Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
    Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management01:26

    Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

    Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
    ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

    ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

    Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...