Lead Management and Lead Extraction

Management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has become complex given the complications that can occur with implanted lead systems. Clinical problems such as infection, lead failure, and occluded vessels create situations that demand intervention to remove leads. Due to adhesions that occur in the venous system and at the endomyocardial attachment site, simple traction to remove a lead is often not sufficient. Infection is a mandatory reason to remove the entire CIED system. Tools and techniques are now available that enable a skilled operator to extract leads with a great deal of efficacy and safety.