sub-clavian entry

If a normal PM entry is sub-clavian, but swimmers often opt for a cephalic vein insertion, why doesn’t everyone just get a cephalic insertion? Why do swimmers have to talk their Drs into this?

I’m kinda burned that I didn’t know about this option when I had a replacement procedure two years ago. I used to swim in a masters program in the morning and gave it up.

1 Comments

Why?

by golden_snitch - 2010-12-21 03:12:57

Hi!

I don't understand why swimmers should be better off with a cephalic entry. I mean, I have had both, subclavian and cephalic, and really, it doesn't make much of a difference. The whole pacer unit isn't placed differently at all. Just the incision is a little higher up in the shoulder area.The only advantage one has with a cephalic entry is that the risk that the leads get pinched between first rib and collarbone is reduced which this is a rare complication in subclavian placements.
From my understanding, the subclavian vein is a bit wider than the cephalic which is an advantage because some patients develop vein stenosis with one or two or even three leads running through a vein, and this is less likely in the subclavian than in the cephalic. But not 100% sure about this.

Why aren't you allowed to continue swimming? My EP and the cardiothoracic surgeon always said, swimming is no problem. And I have no problems when swimming, not now with the cephalic entry, and not in the beginning with the subclavian.

Best wishes
Inga

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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