Lead extraction in non-cardiac surgery centers: Easier said than done

The implantation rate of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) has increased significantly over the past decades with estimates of more than 1 million devices annually [1]. In this scenario, the incidence of lead extraction has increased and in recent years has even exceeded the increase in implants. Currently there are two major indications for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) [2]. First, in the context of a confirmed or suspected infection of the lead or the device. Second, in an array of non-infectious clinical scenarios such as: Chronic pain related to a CIED procedure, vascular complications such as thrombosis or superior venae cava syndrome, abandoned leads that interfere with the normal operation of a CIED, to allow for magnetic resonance imaging of patients having non conditional devices or leads, recalled leads which represents a potential future threat to the patient, lead perforation, severe tricuspid regurgitation secondary to lead interaction, life-threatening arrhythmias secondary to retained leads and radiation therapy [1].
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research