SVC tears during lead extraction are very rare, occurring in less than 0.5% of procedures. The Philips Bridge Occlusion Balloon was designed to provide hemostasis in the rare event of a SVC tear, allowing time for surgical repair and increasing survivability. Dozens of rescues have been supported utilizing this novel device.1
One of several recommendations for deploying Bridge prophylactically is for high-risk cases.2 When Bridge is staged in the IVC, it can support rapid deployment and minimize blood loss. At the onset, some cases may not appear high risk. Yet, case difficulty may increase intra-procedure, and prophylactic deployment may be considered. This case description details a lead extraction case performed by Dr. Sumit Verma. Bridge was deployed mid-case when the perception of risk increased.
D038018-01
