Collateral approach for LV lead implantation in a case with abnormal venous anatomy.

A 75-year-old man, 8 years after CABG, with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for refractory heart failure. Retrograde occlusion venography revealed absence of lateral vein. A functionally occluded middle cardiac vein with branch to anterolateral vein was used for left ventricular lead implantation. Using a collateral route for left ventricular lead implantation is a new technique. Lead position was stable with excellent threshold. Follow-up at 6 months reveals continued stable lead position.