Pulsed electron avalanche knife (PEAK) PlasmaBlade™ in pacemaker and defibrillator procedures

Area of Science:

• Electrophysiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The PlasmaBlade™ (Pulsed Electron Avalanche Knife) is an innovative electrosurgical device for tissue cutting.
• Limited data exist on its use in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures compared to conventional electrocautery, except for generator replacements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of using the PlasmaBlade™ in CIED procedures.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this novel technology in a real-world clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, single-center study was conducted.
• Patients undergoing CIED surgery between December 2015 and March 2017 were included.
• Feasibility and clinical outcomes of PlasmaBlade™ use were evaluated.

Main Results:

• 282 patients were included, undergoing pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or generator replacement procedures.
• The overall perioperative complication rate was 3.9%, with 3.2% experiencing device-pocket hematoma.
• No lead damage was observed during the 6-month follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Replacing conventional electrocautery with PlasmaBlade™ for CIED procedures is feasible.
• The observed perioperative complication rate is moderate and comparable to existing literature.
• Comparative studies are required to determine if PlasmaBlade™ offers advantages over conventional electrocautery.