Single center experience with the novel rotating dilator sheath TightRail^TM Sub-C in transvenous lead extraction

Transvenous lead extraction has become a frequent procedure in the context of device lead management and various tools are available. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the novel short rotating dilator sheath TightRail^TM Sub-C (Sub-C) in transvenous lead extraction.

For this retrospective single-center analysis, we included consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction using the Sub-C from January 2018 until February 2020 at the University Heart Center Zurich.

A total of 87 leads were extracted within 45 patients using the Sub-C extraction sheath. The mean dwell time of the leads was 112 ± 9.1 months. Complete procedural success was achieved in 95.6% (43/45) and clinical procedural success in 97.8% (44/45). Two major complications (4.4%, 2/45) occurred, but neither was directly related to the Sub-C.

This retrospective single-center analysis suggests that transvenous lead extraction with a routine use of the TightRail^TM Sub-C extraction sheath is a safe strategy resulting in high success rates that may offer useful theoretical benefits. Future studies are needed to evaluate the incremental benefit of a routine use of short extraction sheaths including the Sub-C during TLE procedures.