Abstract

MAZZETTI, Héctor A.  and  MASCHERONI, Osvaldo. Twelve Years of Experience in Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Extraction in Argentina. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2006, vol.74, n.3, pp.117-122. ISSN 1850-3748.

Lead extraction has been a common practice since the first pacemaker was implanted in 1958. This study presents our experience in 609 pacemaker and defibrillator lead extractions, from July 1993 to July 2005. Infection (by erosions and pacemaker endocarditis) was the most frequent indication. Several approaches were employed: superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, transjugular and transatrial approaches. Older leads needed lead extraction tools more frequently than newer leads. Defibrillator leads had shorter implant duration than pacemaker leads, but needed extraction tools more frequently. The efficacy was more than 99%. The procedure has several risks including death, albeit with proper training, adequate tools and procedural experience, an excellent success rate can be obtained.

Keywords : Lead extraction; Pocket infection; Endocarditis; Pacemaker; Defibrillator.