title: Management of arterial injuries caused by laser extraction of indwelling venous pacemaker and defibrillator leads.
abstract: The use of laser technology for the removal of pacemaker and defibrillator leads has decreased the lead extraction time and improved the success rate for complete lead removal when compared to traditional techniques. However, this extraction method may be associated with significant complications. This report documents two cases of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula created by laser lead extraction. Endovascular repair of these fistulas provides an effective and less invasive alternative to open repair.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. lawtonj@wustl.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lawton
authors.forename: Marc R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Curci
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: Timothy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Marye J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gleva
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Damiano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*