Implantation of specifically designed left ventricular (LV) lead is a relatively complex procedure that depends on the anatomy of the coronary veins, available instrumentation, and experience of the operator. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tortuosity of the selected branch of coronary sinus (CS) leads to difficult or failed LV placement. A case study of a 45-year-old woman with DCM requiring lead placement is presented here. To plan for proper LV lead positioning, CS angiography was obtained through right femoral vein approach with preshaped long sheath (SJM, SL3) and occlusive balloon. For successful implant of LV lead, with no viable alternatives available, the tortuosity of the lateral and posterolateral branch were overcome by advancing and inflating the balloon in the main CS to deflect LV lead into the target branch. A unipolar LV lead (Medtronic 4193) was finally placed in a true posterolateral position with excellent sensing and pacing threshold without phrenic nerve stimulation.

Background:The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. Little is known about ICD use in the Arabian Gulf. We designed a study to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region.Methods:Gulf ICD is a prospective, multi-center, multinational, and observational study. All adult patients 18 years or older, receiving a de novo ICD implant and willing to sign a consent form will be eligible. Data on baseline characteristics, ICD indication, procedure and programing, in-hospital, and 1-year outcomes will be collected. Target enrollment is 1500 patients, which will provide adequate precision across a wide range of expected event rates.Results:Fifteen centers in six countries are enrolling patients (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar). Two-thirds of the centers have dedicated electrophysiology laboratories, and in almost all centers ICDs are implanted exclusively by electrophysiologists. Nearly three-quarters of the centers reported annual ICD implant volumes of ≤150 devices, and pulse generator replacements constitute <30% of implants in the majority of centers. Enrollment started in December 2013, and accrual rate increased as more centers entered the study reaching an average of 98 patients per month.Conclusions:Gulf ICD is the first prospective, observational, multi-center, and multinational study of the characteristics and, the outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region. The study will provide valuable insights into the utilization of and outcomes related to ICD therapy in the Gulf region.

Late perforation of rhythm device lead is a well recognized complication of implanted devices with varying degree of clinical presentation from asymptomatic patients to sudden cardiac death. We report a patient with incidental finding of late right ventricular lead perforation during routine device follow up. Endovenous extraction of the lead was performed uneventfully under intracardiac echocardiography guidance with cardiac surgery team backup.