Feasibility, timing and outcome of leadless cardiac pacemaker implantation in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device extraction

Abstract Background Patients requiring extraction of infected or dysfunctional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) have high morbidity and mortality. The Micra™ leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) may be beneficial for patients requiring permanent pacemaker therapy after CIED extraction. Methods This study aimed to assess the feasibility, timing and outcomes of LCP implantation in patients who underwent CIED extraction due to infection or dysfunction. The local Micra™ LCP registry was reviewed for LCP implantations and CIED extractions. Results Micra™ LCP implantation was scheduled for 48 consecutive patients (21 women, 44%) undergoing CIED extraction for infection ( n = 38, 79%) or dysfunction ( n = 10, 21%), and feasible in 47 (98%). Complete CIED removal was feasible in 44 patients (92%) and in 37/38 patients with infected CIED (97%). Overall, 32 LCP (67%) were implanted in a single procedure: 3 (6%) before and 13 (27%) after CIED extraction. LCP were implanted in a single procedure in 24/38 patients (63%) with infected CIED and in 8/10 patients (80%) with dysfunctional CIED. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6% ( n = 3), and the survival rates at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year were 94% ( n = 45/48), 90% ( n = 43/48), and 85% ( n = 41/48), respectively. No recurrent LCP-related mortality or infections occurred during a median follow-up of 15 (interquartile range, 12–41) months. Conclusion Two-thirds of LCPs could be implanted in a single procedure with CIED extraction; no recurrent infections were detected. Overall, Micra™ LCP implantation in patients requiring CIED extraction was feasible. Graphical Abstract