Transvenous Lead Extraction (TLE) Procedure: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Thailand

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) addresses late complications of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
• Limited data exists on TLE outcomes in Thailand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TLE procedures in Thailand.
• To analyze outcomes of TLE at a single center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of TLE procedures at Ramathibodi hospital (January 2008 - December 2020).
• Analysis included 79 patients and 157 leads, focusing on infection-related indications.

Main Results:

• High clinical success rate of 97.5% was achieved.
• Infection was the primary indication for TLE (67.1%).
• Major complications occurred in 5.1% of patients, with one in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

• TLE utilizing laser and mechanical sheaths is effective and safe.
• These procedures are viable even outside high-volume centers.