The Azygos Vein as an Alternative Route for Haemodialysis Catheterisation.

Introduction: Central venous catheterisation (CVC) is essential for haemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease, but superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis or occlusion often complicates long-term access. The azygos vein, a collateral drainage pathway, has been rarely used intentionally for catheterisation.

Case Description: We report on a 68-year-old male on haemodialysis with SVC perforation and stenosis due to prolonged catheter use.

Stepwise transvenous lead extraction due to pacemaker pocket infection following lactational mastitis complicated with breast abscess.

Background: Lactational mastitis is a common painful and debilitating inflammation of breast tissue, generally treated conservatively or with pus puncture in case of breast abscess. However, treating mastitis in patients with implantable surgical material located in the affected breast region can be extremely challenging. We present an unusual case of lactational mastitis complicated by pacemaker pocket infection in a breastfeeding mother.

Scoring System Assessment of Cephalic Vein Access for Device Implantation.

The purpose of this study was to explore the usability of the cephalic vein (CV) for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead access by applying a scoring system to assess the venous anatomy. This prospective, single-center study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent CIED implantation within a period of one year. Contrast-enhanced venography images were obtained for every patient, focused on the CV, "T-junction," and the subclavian/axillary veins (SV/AVs).

Electrocardiographic Parameters as Predictors of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Introduction: Although strict selection criteria are used to select patients for cardiac resynchronisation therapy, up to 30% of patients do not have a positive clinical response.

Patients: A total of 102 consecutive patients who had biventricular pacemaker/defibrillator (CRT-P or CRT-D) implanted were enrolled in this prospective observational study.

Results: During the average follow-up period of 24.