Background: The rate of lead extraction has steadily increased alongside the extensive use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Data on the complications and safety of this challenging procedure are limited. We investigated inhospital and midterm outcomes following lead extraction.
Methods: Data were retrieved from 51 patients who underwent pacemaker/defibrillator lead extraction procedures at Tehran Heart Center between 2016 and 2021. The procedural success rate, patients' demographic characteristics, and inhospital and midterm procedure-related complications were investigated.
Results: Fifty-one patients were enrolled, including 44 men (86.3%). A total of 109 leads were extracted, with a 90.2% complete procedural success rate. In-hospital death occurred in 4 patients (7.8%): 1 patient (1.9%) died from pneumonia, 1 (1.9%) from septic shock, and 2 (3.9%) from septic shock besides heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Adverse events in 3 patients (5.8%) were directly related to the procedure: 1 patient (1.9%) suffered lung laceration and hemorrhage, 1 (1.9%) sustained subclavian injury, and 1 (1.9%) developed tamponade. Neither reinfection nor rehospitalization was observed during follow-up.
Conclusion: Lead extraction can be considered a highly successful procedure with a low rate of death-related events and complications.
Keywords: Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators; Lead.
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