[Removal of infected transvenous electrodes requiring cardiopulmonary bypass or extraction sheath]

Infection of four transvenous pacemaker electrodes were experienced in three patients and removed them using different techniques. The first patient had two infected electrodes. One was removed by direct traction and the other required cardiopulmonary bypass for its removal. In the second patient, one electrode was removed using a new extraction system called 'Lead Removal Kit' without thoracotomy. In the third patient, the kit was used during cardiopulmonary bypass. All these patients survived and none had recurrent infection. Our experiences proved that this Lead Removal Kit can minimize the risks for the removal of the infected pacemaker electrodes.