Transvenous lead extraction in patients with prior extraction procedures: Procedural profiles and outcomes

Subclinical venous injuries are common during transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but their implications for future TLE are unclear. Little is known about whether a prior TLE adds risk or complexity to subsequent extraction procedures.

The purpose of this study was to assess procedural profiles and outcomes of TLE based on whether patients had prior extraction procedures.

All 3258 consecutive patients undergoing TLE at the Cleveland Clinic (1996-2012) were included. Procedural profiles and outcomes were determined.

Of 3258 TLEs, 198 had prior TLE. Median number of leads in place was 2 in both groups, but patients with prior TLE were more likely to have defibrillator leads (47% vs 41%; P = .08) and more likely to be pacemaker-dependent (32% vs 25%; P = .02). The age of oldest lead (median 2134 vs 1902 days; P = .4) and combined age of leads (median 2948 vs 2676 days; P = .6) were comparable. Procedures were longer in those with prior TLE (166 ± 79 minutes vs 149 ± 74 minutes; P = .004) with comparable fluoroscopy times (median 13 vs 11 minutes; P = .07), and successful extraction was more likely to require specialized tools (88% vs 81%; P = .006) with higher likelihood of rescue femoral workstation (12% vs 4%; P <.0001). Clinical success rates were comparable in those with prior TLE (99.5% vs 98.9%; P = .8) with similar major (3.0% vs 1.9%; P = .3) and minor (3.0% vs 3.7%; P = .8) complication rates.

Extraction procedures were more challenging in patients with prior TLE compared to those without prior TLE but with excellent success and low complication rates.