Transvenous lead extraction in patients with prior extraction procedures: Procedural profiles and outcomes

Heart Rhythm. 2020 Nov;17(11):1904-1908. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.05.042. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Abstract

Background: Subclinical venous injuries are common during transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but their implications for future TLE are unclear. Little is known about whether a prior TLE adds risk or complexity to subsequent extraction procedures.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess procedural profiles and outcomes of TLE based on whether patients had prior extraction procedures.

Methods: All 3258 consecutive patients undergoing TLE at the Cleveland Clinic (1996-2012) were included. Procedural profiles and outcomes were determined.

Results: Of 3258 TLEs, 198 had prior TLE. Median number of leads in place was 2 in both groups, but patients with prior TLE were more likely to have defibrillator leads (47% vs 41%; P = .08) and more likely to be pacemaker-dependent (32% vs 25%; P = .02). The age of oldest lead (median 2134 vs 1902 days; P = .4) and combined age of leads (median 2948 vs 2676 days; P = .6) were comparable. Procedures were longer in those with prior TLE (166 ± 79 minutes vs 149 ± 74 minutes; P = .004) with comparable fluoroscopy times (median 13 vs 11 minutes; P = .07), and successful extraction was more likely to require specialized tools (88% vs 81%; P = .006) with higher likelihood of rescue femoral workstation (12% vs 4%; P <.0001). Clinical success rates were comparable in those with prior TLE (99.5% vs 98.9%; P = .8) with similar major (3.0% vs 1.9%; P = .3) and minor (3.0% vs 3.7%; P = .8) complication rates.

Conclusion: Extraction procedures were more challenging in patients with prior TLE compared to those without prior TLE but with excellent success and low complication rates.

Keywords: Cardiac implantable electronic device; Complications; Outcomes; Safety; Transvenous lead extraction; Vein injury.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / methods*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
  • Device Removal / methods*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Patient Safety*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome