Vacuum assisted vegetation extraction for the management of large lead vegetations.

BACKGROUND

Complete device and lead removal is recommended for management of infected implantable cardiac device. Management of large lead vegetation (2 cm) is still in debate.

METHODS

We report a series of patients involving percutaneous extraction of large vegetations (>2 cm) from ICD/pacing leads using the AngioVac Cannula in patients with infective endocarditis. This approach was used to debulk the ICD/pacing lead vegetations in order to minimize the risk of septic pulmonary embolism during lead explantation.

CONCLUSION

AngioVac Cannula can be used safely and effectively as an adjunctive method for patients with large lead vegetation.