title: [Laser sheath extraction of an infected pacemaker lead].
abstract: A case of pacemaker electrode infection with Staphylococcus aureus is presented. In order to avoid sternotomy, the right ventricular pacemaker lead, which had been implanted for 15 years, was successfully extracted using a laser sheath despite large endocarditic vegetations on the pacemaker lead. After completion of a 6-week course of antibiotics, the patient was discharged without any further evidence of infection.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Herz- und thorakale Gefäßchirurgie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Hamdi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: ElFarra
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moosdorf
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kratz
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grimm
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020878:Device Removal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome