Extraction of the Telectronics Accufix 330-801 atrial lead: the Mayo Clinic experience

To document a cumulative experience with removal of the Telectronics 330-801 Accufix atrial lead after it was withdrawn from the market.

We reviewed our results with 96 attempted lead extraction procedures through Dec. 1, 1995.

All patients underwent preoperative assessment, including fluoroscopic screening of the lead. Patients had blood typing and screening done before the extraction procedure, and extractions were performed with cardiac surgical intervention available. Pacing dependence was assessed to determine the need for temporary pacing.

The mean patient age was 65.7 +/- 1.6 years and the mean duration of lead implantation was 31.0 +/- 1.4 months. Of the 96 lead extractions attempted, 94 were successful. Of the 96 cases, the retention wires were normal in 29, fractured without protrusion in 34, and fractured with protrusion in 33. Fifty-three leads were removed with use of simple traction only, and seven leads were removed by using a locking stylet and telescoping sheaths. The Cook workstation was used in the removal of 32 leads through the femoral vein; in 1 of these 32 patients, the retention wire was removed before lead extraction. The retention wire was removed but the lead was left intact in one patient. One lead was removed during an opertive maze procedure. Associated complications were minimal.

Although lead extraction is a potentially fatal procedure, the Telectronics 330-801 Accufix atrial lead can be extracted safely with minimal morbidity when performed by experienced personnel.