Device and lead characteristics
Detailed information regarding CIEDs is summarized in Table 2. Implantation of PM, ICD, and CRT devices had been performed prior to AF ablation in 13 patients, 15 patients, and 6 patients, respectively. The median period from the first generator implantation to the first AF ablation was 71.5 months (interquartile range, 31.3–129.8 months). A total of 73 leads, including abandoned leads, were implanted in all study patients, but data and parameters regarding the abandoned leads were not obtained. Consequently, this study evaluated 71 leads, as described above. The number of leads implanted through the SVC comprised 1 lead in 3 patients, 2 leads in 23 patients, and 3 leads in 8 patients, as well as 2 abandoned leads. Detailed lead characteristics such as lead diameter and outer insulation materials are shown in Table 2. Of 71 leads, the leads were most frequently positioned at the lateral portion of the SVC (76.1%), followed by the posterior portion of the SVC (16.9%). The leads were positioned at the septal portion of the SVC in only 1 patient with a CIED implanted on the right.