Large, single-center, single-operator experience with transvenous lead extraction: outcomes and changing indications.
BACKGROUND
Lead extraction is increasingly necessary given the exponential growth in cardiac device implantation. Meanwhile, the tools, indications, and outcomes of this procedure continue to change.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine contemporary indications, outcomes, and complications of transvenous lead extraction in a large series of patients at a high-volume lead extraction center.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing lead extraction at a single, high-volume center. Patient and lead characteristics and the indications, outcomes, and need for laser assistance were analyzed.


RESULTS
From January 2000 to March 2007, a total of 975 chronic endovascular leads were removed from 498 patients. Median implant duration was 5.7 years (range 0.5-32.7 years). Indications were infection (60.3%), mechanical lead failure (29.3%), and upgrade of device system (8.8%). Over the study period, lead malfunction decreased relative to other indications. Laser assistance for extraction was more likely with leads implanted longer than 3.4 years compared to less than 3.4 years (odds ratio 6.15, 95% confidence interval 3.35-11.28) and with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads compared to pacemaker leads (odds ratio 3.44, 95% confidence interval 1.84-6.43). Overall, 97.5% of the leads were completely removed. Major complications occurred in 2 (0.4%) patients. Only one patient required cardiac surgery. No deaths occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
In a high-volume center, lead extraction has a high success rate and low complication rate. Infection was the most common indication overall. Lead failure has decreased in relative proportion. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads and longer lead implant time are associated with a requirement for laser lead extraction.
Jones
Samuel O
SO
Arrhythmia Service, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. samuel.jones@lackland.af.mil
Eckart
Robert E
RE
Albert
Christine M
CM
Epstein
Laurence M
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome