The use of radiofrequency catheter ablation to extract a chronic permanent pacemaker lead after failed laser extraction.
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.
Talreja
Deepak Roshan
DR
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Asirvatham
Samuel
S
Hayes
David L
DL
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