Percutaneous extraction of stented device leads

BACKGROUND: There are limited published data regarding the percutaneous extraction of device leads jailed by a venous stent. OBJECTIVE: In this study we assessed the feasibility and safety of percutaneous extraction of stented device leads. METHODS: We reviewed our experience percutaneously extracting 7 chronically implanted device leads jailed to the wall of the left innominate and/or subclavian veins by a previously placed stent. RESULTS: All leads were successfully extracted by using a percutaneous approach. Both pacing leads and defibrillator leads were extracted. The oldest pacing lead extracted was 14 years old. The oldest defibrillator lead extracted was 6 years old. Three of the leads were extracted with simple manual traction alone. The 4 remaining leads required a more complex, femoral extraction approach for successful removal. CONCLUSION: In our experience extracting 7 stented device leads, complete percutaneous removal was feasible 100% of the time using a combination of simple manual traction and a femoral approach. No major complications were associated with the extraction procedures.