A venous occlusion is a blockage in a vein, in this case typically the subclavian vein that runs beneath the collarbone, where ICD leads are commonly positioned. It occurs when the presence of the lead causes the vein to narrow or block over time.
Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, discolouration, or a feeling of heaviness in the arm on the side of the device. It is not always immediately identified, and in some cases people are discharged from hospital without a clear diagnosis, only for the cause to be confirmed when symptoms recur.
Venous occlusion is not a common complication, but it does occur. If you experience unusual arm symptoms after ICD implantation, contact your ICD clinic promptly. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.