Comparison Of Two Methods For Pacemaker Lead Extractions In The Context Of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Related Infections

Objective:Complete lead extraction of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) for device related infections remains a complex procedure for chronically implantated leads. We present data from a single centre registry of consecutive patients with extractions over10years. Method and results:Patients were identified from the centre’s electronic database with CIED related infections. Methods and Results:who underwent lead extraction using either the standard technique and equipment or a modified innovative transvenous lead technique extraction using an ablation catheter. Of151patients with CIED related infections, average age65±8years (range45-82),64%being male,75underwent standard (S) extraction and76underwent modified (M) extraction. Procedural, fluoroscopy exposure and lead extraction times with S and M methods respectively were65±14min versus52±6min (p<0.01),56±12min versus36±8min (p<0.001) and48±12min versus31±7min (p<0.001). Retrieval rates were numerically lower with the standard technique at92%versus96%but did not achieve significance with respective complication rates of6.7%and5.3%. Conclusion:A modified extraction technique to retrieve leads for infections of CIEDs has improve procedural parameters over the standard techniques, without compromising success rates and may be a promising approach for a future prospective trial.