The analysis of indications and early results of transvenous lead extraction in patients with a pacemaker, ICD and CRT - single-centre experience

Introduction Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is a recognized method of treatment in the case of permanent stimulation complication.Objectives The objective of this study was to analyse the indications and presentation of the early experience of TLE procedures in a group of patients with old pacing systems.Patients and methods Patients with a relevant history of stimulation (at least 12 months in case of a pacemaker) qualified for the research. Indications, effectiveness and complications of TLE procedures were analysed.Results Two hundred patients at the age of 66.4 (19.1-86.2 years) were enrolled and 278 leads with dwell time 76.2 months (2.1-327.4) were removed. The indications for TLE were: lead-dependent infective endocarditis in 13 cases (6.5%), pocket infection in 29 cases (14.5%), lead damage in 120 cases (60.0%), and upgrade of device system in 38 cases (19.0%). Manual traction was used to remove 66 active fixation leads (23.7%). A femoral approach was required to extract 4 leads (1.4%). Two hundred and eight leads (74.8%) were extracted using the mechanical (Cook) system and subclavian approach. Laser technique, and an electrosurgical sheath were not used. Complete procedural success was achieved in 96% of cases and overall clinical success was 98.5%. Complication rate was 5.5% (11 patients): minor and major complication rate was 3.0% (6 patients) and 2.5% (5 cases), respectively. Low body mass index (BMI) was associated with a higher rate of complications.Conclusions The dominant indication to TLE procedures was lead dysfunction. Transvenous lead extraction has a high success rate and a low complication rate. Low BMI increased the complication rate.