Transesophageal Echocardiographic Visualization of Left Ventricular Malpositioned Pacemaker Electrodes: Implications for Lead Extraction Procedures

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is a relatively safe procedure, but it may cause severe complications such as cardiac/vascular wall tear (CVWT) and tricuspid valve damage (TVD). Methods: The risk factors for CVWT and TVD were examined based on an analysis of data of 1500 extraction procedures performed in two high-volume centers. Results: The total number of major complications was 33 (2.2%) and included 22 (1.5%) CVWT and 12 (0.8%) TVD (with one case of combined complication). Patients with hemorrhagic complications were younger, more often women, less often presenting low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and those who received their first cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) earlier than the control group. A typical patient with CVWT was a pacemaker carrier, having more leads (including abandoned leads and excessive loops) with long implant duration and a history of multiple CIED-related procedures. The risk factors for TVD were similar to those for CVWT, but the patients were older and received their CIED about nine years earlier. Any form of tissue scar and technical problems were much more common in the two groups of patients with major complications. Conclusions: The risk factors for CVWT and TVD are similar, and the most important ones are related to long lead dwell time and its consequences for the heart (various forms of fibrotic scarring). The occurrence of procedural complications does not affect long-term survival in patients undergoing lead extraction.

Download Full-text

The role of cardiac surgery in transvenous lead extraction (TLE) – experience from high volume center and 3207 procedures

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0836 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

L Tulecki ◽

M Czajkowski ◽

S Targonska ◽

K Tomkow ◽

D Nowosielecka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Surgery ◽

Tricuspid Valve ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lead Extraction ◽

Icd Leads ◽

Ventricular Lead ◽

Cardiac Surgeon

Abstract Background The guidelines suggest close co-operation between TLE operating team and cardiac surgery and its key role in the management of life-threatening complications remains unquestionable. But the role of cardiac surgeon seems to be much more extended. Purpose We have analysed the role of cardiac surgery in treatment of patients undergoing TLE procedures. Methods Using standard non-powered mechanical systems we have extracted ingrown PM/ICD leads from 3207 pts (38,7% female, average age 65,7-y) during the last 14 years. Non-infectious TLE indications were in 66,4% of patients. 46% had PM DDD system, 19% PM SSI, 22% ICD, 9% CRT, 4% other systems. In 12% of patients abandoned leads were found. 8% of patients had one lead, 54% - two, 15% - three and 4% - 4–6 leads in the heart. An average dwell time of all leads was 91,5 mth. The lead entry side was left in 96% of patients, right in 3% and both – 4%. Results Procedural success 96,1%, clinical success - 97,8%, procedure-related death 0,2%. Major complications appeared in 1,9% (cardiac tamponade 1,2%, haemothorax 0,2%, tricuspid valve damage 0,3%, stroke, pulmonary embolism <1%). Conclusions Rescue cardiac surgery (for severe haemorrhagic complications) is still the most frequent reason of surgical intervention (1,1%). The second area of co-operation includes supplementary cardiac surgery after (incomplete) TLE (0,8%). The third one is connected with reconstruction or replacement of tricuspid valve, which can be affected by ingrown lead or damaged during TLE procedure (0,5%). Implantation of the complete epicardial system during any surgical intervention (rescue or delayed) should be considered as a supplementation of the operation (0,65%). Some of patients after TLE need implantation of epicardial leads for permanent epicardial pacing (0,6%) and some only left ventricular lead to rebuild permanent cardiac resynchronisation (0,5%). The single experience of large TLE centre indicates the necessity of close co-operation with cardiac surgeon, whose role seems to be more comprehensive than a surgical stand-by itself. Table 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Download Full-text