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Initial experience in the extraction of chronically implanted pacemaker leads using the Excimer laser sheath.
1Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Harefield hospital, Hill End Road, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6JH.
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|June 23, 1999
Summary
The Excimer laser sheath effectively and safely extracts chronically implanted pacemaker leads. This method achieved a 94% complete removal rate in a study of eight patients, with no complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Chronic implantation of pacemaker leads can lead to complications necessitating extraction.
- Conventional lead extraction techniques may fail in cases of long-term implantation.
- Indications for lead extraction include infection, obstruction, malfunction, and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Excimer laser sheath for pacemaker lead extraction.
- To determine the success rate of laser sheath extraction in chronically implanted leads.
- To assess complications associated with this extraction method.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of eight patients undergoing pacemaker lead extraction.
- Excimer laser sheath used when conventional methods failed.
- Basket retrieval employed if laser sheath extraction was unsuccessful.
Main Results:
- Complete lead removal was achieved in 16 out of 17 leads (94%).
- Laser sheath extraction alone was successful in 16 leads.
- One case required subsequent basket retrieval; no complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- The Excimer laser sheath is a safe and effective tool for extracting chronically implanted pacemaker leads.
- It can be successfully combined with existing extraction techniques.
- This method offers a high success rate with minimal complications.