title: Extraction of sterile leads is the preferred approach rather than implanting a new lead: the con perspective.
abstract: Lead malfunction is a common problem in implantable cardiac device patients and is expected to increase with the aging of leads. There is a weak indication for extraction of superfluous leads with the potential for cardiac implantable electronic device interference and abandoned or redundant leads; much remains to be learned from clinical practice. Lead extraction, although safe in experienced hands, remains a high-risk procedure, especially in lower-volume centers and/or when performed by lower-volume operators. Therefore, a strategy of abandoning nonfunctioning leads is reasonable, and lead extractions should be reserved for cases with system infection or high lead burden.
authors: Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic Universitari de Barcelona, Carrer Villarroel, 270, Barcelona 08036, Spain.
authors: Emilce
authors: E
authors: Trucco
authors: Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic Universitari de Barcelona, Carrer Villarroel, 270, Barcelona 08036, Spain. Electronic address: lmont@clinic.ub.es.
authors: Lluis
authors: L
authors: Mont
mesh_terms: D000075202:Contraindications; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications
keywords: Implantable cardiac device; Lead extraction; Lead malfunction