I just had a new BVICD implanted to replace the older 2 lead pacemaker. When the additional 2 leads were insatlled, they have caused an occlusion in the vien. My left arm turns a redish color when hanging down below my heart. I have had a doppler and vinograph which were negative for a clot but the occlusion is there by the leads. I have no pain in my arm or numbness. I am on warfarin. Has anyone else had this problem? Will it clear up overtime as the leads settle in? My doctor has told me that only if I start to have more difficulty would he consider a stint.

 

 

This is not all that uncommon, but it is rarely symptomatic. Even though the ultrasound was negative you likely do have a clot in the arm. However, the good news is that you are on the Warfarin (Hooray....)

These typically get better over the course of 2-3 months.

A venous stent is a little more challenging. I would make sure that if the stent is done, it doesn't smash the wire to the vein making them impossible to ever remove. (Unfortunately, i have seen this happen.)

Hang in there and hopefully the vein will grow collaterals.