A Novel Technique to Extract Implanted Leads Using Simple Stylets and Reused Rotational Sheaths in Patients with a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device.

OBJECTIVE

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is used in various clinical scenarios, such as device-related infections. Mechanically powered sheaths are one of the most commonly used tools for TLE procedures. We evaluated the procedural and clinical outcomes of a novel extraction technique for chronically implanted leads in the treatment of device-related infections.

METHOD: The novel extraction technique utilizing standard implantation stylets, snares, reused rotational sheaths, catheters, and wires was evaluated for procedural success and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 12 consecutive patients with device-related infections underwent the novel TLE procedure. Complete procedural success was achieved in all patients, with a minor complication rate of 8% (one patient). No major complications or procedure-related mortality were observed. During a median follow-up period of 435 days, one patient died due to a multidrug-resistant systemic infection, one due to end-stage heart failure, and one underwent valve surgery for concomitant valve endocarditis. No cases of reinfection were reported in the study population. Additionally, this novel technique was approximately 85% less costly than the conventional standard technique using locking stylets and unused rotational sheaths.

CONCLUSION

In situations where unused extraction tools are unavailable or limited by reimbursement constraints, this novel TLE technique offers an effective and safe alternative.