Permanent pacemaker implantation using the femoral vein: a preliminary report.

A permanent pacemaker was implanted through the femoral vein in 23 patients using the percutaneous puncture technique. The pulse generator was placed in the lower abdominal wall. The method is simple and reduces the time necessary to accomplish implantation. Catheter extrusion in one patient was easily corrected. Another patient had late thrombophlebitis, possibly unrelated to the procedure. Catheter dislodgement occurred in four (4) patients and penetration of the right atrial appendage and right ventricular apex each occurred once. We believe these problems can be circumvented with more experience and expect the femoral approach to be a simple and practical method permanent pacemaker implantation.