The authors report the case of a patient in whom a biventricular defibrillator was successfully implanted from the right, following a failed approach from the left. The patient had chronic thrombosis of the subclavian vein, and this procedure was only possible after venous deocclusion and the positioning of an endoprosthesis. The authors underline the significance of the contralateral approach in case of difficulties in inserting pacing devices, as well as the complementary benefits of interventional radiological procedures in order to allow vascular access in cases of chronic venous thrombosis.