title: The use of radiofrequency catheter ablation to extract a chronic permanent pacemaker lead after failed laser extraction.
abstract: Even with the latest advances in pacemaker lead extraction techniques, successful lead extraction via percutaneous techniques still cannot be achieved in up to 2% of procedures at qualified centers reiterating the need for further development in this area. We present an example of a novel technique using radiofrequency (RF) energy delivered with a steerable ablation catheter to facilitate lead removal using an 8-french guiding sheath (SRO, Daig corporation) and a bidirectional steerable 4 mm tip ablation catheter (EPT). With a short series of RF ablations, the pacemaker lead tip was successfully freed without complications.
authors: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors: Deepak Roshan
authors: DR
authors: Talreja
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Asirvatham
authors: David L
authors: DL
authors: Hayes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017211:Treatment Failure