Needle directed re-entry to cross a subclavian occlusion following failed microdissection.

Patients with existing internal cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) often require upgrading to a biventricular ICD for treatment of congestive heart failure. Placement of a left ventricular (LV) lead can be technically challenging in the best of circumstances. A subclavian vein stenosis or occlusion related to previously placed leads adds a major obstacle to a successful implant. We report a technique to implant an LV lead from the same side as the existing ICD system despite failed microdissection of a complete occlusion of the subclavian vein.