Transvenous lead extraction of lumenless 3830 pacing lead in conduction system pacing: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: The Medtronic SelectSecure Model 3830 lumenless lead (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) is commonly used for conduction system pacing (CSP). However, with this increased use, the potential need for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) also will increase. While extraction of endocardial 3830 leads is rather well described especially in pediatric and adult congenital heart disease population, there is very limited data on extraction of CSP leads. In the present study, we reported our preliminary experience on TLE of CSP leads and provided technical considerations. METHODS: The study population comprised 6 consecutive patients (67% male; mean age 70 ± 22 years) with CSP leads (3830 leads), including left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) lead (n = 3) and His pacing lead (n = 3) undergoing TLE. Overall target leads were 17. The mean implant duration time of CSP leads was 97 ± 90 months [range 8-193). RESULTS: Manual traction was successful in 2 cases and mechanical extraction tools were required in the remaining cases. Sixteen leads (94%) were completely extracted, whereas incomplete removal was observed in one lead (6%) among 1 patient. Of note, in the only lead incompletely removed, we observed retention of < 1-cm remnant of lead material consisting of the screw of 3830 LBBP lead into the interventricular septum. No failure of lead extraction was reported and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that at an experienced center the success of TLE of chronically implanted CSP leads is high in the absence of major complications also when mechanical extraction tools are needed.