[The femoral vein route: an exceptional alternative for the implantation of permanent pacemakers].

A case of thrombosis in the superior vena cava after two permanent pacemaker implantations is described. Ten years ago the patient had a permanent pacemaker implanted because of disturbances in his cardiac rhythm. Five months later he was readmitted with pacemaker malfunction due to failure of the electrode and a new lead was introduced. In 1989 the generator presented "end of life" and the depleted battery was changed. In February, 1993 he presented a new pacemaker malfunction and thrombosis in the superior vena cava. We suggest that in similar cases the iliac vein approach should be performed and short-term anticoagulant therapy should be considered.