Transesophageal three-dimensional echocardiographic guidance for pacemaker lead extraction.

BACKGROUND

The ability of transesophageal three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to aid in pacemaker lead extraction has not yet been evaluated. 3DE provides real-time evaluation of intracardiac anatomy and the location of pacemaker leads in greater detail than either fluoroscopy or -two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), aiding in the extraction of such leads, which can be potentially dangerous. We sought to investigate the feasibility and utility of 3DE to visualize intracardiac anatomy and pacemaker leads, and to assist in lead extraction procedures.

METHODS

We utilized 3DE in nine encounters for eight different patients, to visualize intracardiac anatomy and leads before, during, and after extraction to evaluate the feasibility and utility to aid in the procedure and evaluate for potential sequelae.

RESULTS

3DE was able to identify pertinent intracardiac anatomy and leads in all cases. 3DE detected procedural complications or altered management in five of nine encounters (five of eight patients); this included detection of an avulsed papillary muscle, tricuspid valve leaflet damage, and cast/thrombus after lead removal, as well as adjustment of excess lead slack to avoid future valve damage, or risk stratification of lead removal.

CONCLUSION

3DE is feasible and adds utility to lead extraction cases by visualizing intracardiac anatomy and leads beyond fluoroscopy or 2DE, providing real-time information during extraction, and identifying potential complications.