title: Extraction of embolized lead tip from azygous vein using distal embolic protection device.
abstract: Indwelling pacemaker or defibrillator leads are often extracted with use of a cutting laser sheath. We report embolization of a tined pacemaker lead tip into the azygous vein, with the use of a distal embolization protection device to retrieve the fragment. Creative and non-traditional use of a filter-based device may assist in retrieval of embolized material.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. gsmenden@post.harvard.edu
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stuart Mendenhall
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saba
mesh_terms: D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D001401:Azygos Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D020878:Device Removal; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects; D057505:Embolic Protection Devices; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome