Extraction of Sterile Leads. Is it Beneficial?

Extraction of sterile leads remains a controversial area. The risks and benefits of abandoning a lead are largely unknown, whereas the risks of lead extraction are better studied. Lead management decisions need to be made on a patient-by-patient basis, with important input from the patient and family. This article presents several representative cases and reviews the major considerations in making the decision of whether or not to extract a sterile lead that has become either no longer needed or no longer functional.