Acute hemodynamic response to LV pacing is useful for predicting which patients are likely to remodel in response to CRT both for dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Using AHR has the potential to guide LV lead positioning and improve response rates.
AimsThe number of procedures involving upgrade or revision of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing and the risks of adding additional leads are significant. Central venous occlusion in patients with pre-existing devices is often asymptomatic and optimal management of such patients in need of device revision/upgrade is not clear. We sought to assess our use of laser lead extraction in overcoming venous obstruction.Methods and resultsPatients in need of device upgrade/revision underwent pre-procedure venography to assess venous patency. In patients with venous occlusion or stenosis severe enough to preclude passage of a hydrophilic guide wire, laser lead extraction with retention of the outer sheath in the vasculature was performed with the aim of maintaining a patent channel through which new leads could be implanted. Data were recorded on a dedicated database and patient outcomes were assessed. Between July 2004 and April 2012, laser lead extractions were performed in 71 patients scheduled for device upgrade/revision who had occluded or functionally obstructed venous anatomy. New leads were successfully implanted across the obstruction in 67 (94%) cases. There were two major complications (infection) and four minor complications with no peri-procedural mortality. Device follow-up was satisfactory in 65 (92%) cases with mean follow-up up to 26 ± 19 months.ConclusionLaser lead extraction is a safe and effective option when managing patients with central venous obstruction in need of CIED revision or upgrade.
Cardiac rhythm management devices (pacemakers) are being increasingly implanted worldwide not only for symptomatic bradycardia, but also for the management of arrhythmia and heart failure. Their use in more elderly patients with significant comorbidities is rising steeply and consequently long-term complications are increasingly arising. Such an increase in device therapy is being paralleled by an increase in the requirement for system extraction. Safe lead extraction is central to the management of much of the complications related to pacemakers. The most common indication for lead extraction is system infection Adhesions in chronically implanted leads can become major obstacles to safe lead extraction and life-threatening bleeding and cardiac perforations may occur. Over the last 20 years, specific tools and techniques for transvenous lead extraction have been developed to assist in freeing the lead body from the adhesions. This article provides a comprehensive review of the indications, tools, techniques and outcomes for transvenous lead extraction. The success rate largely depends on the time from implant. Up to 12 months from implant, it is rare that traction alone will not suffice. For longer lead implant duration, no single technique is sufficient to address all extractions, but laser provides the best chance of extracting the entire lead. Operator experience is vital in determining success as familiarity of a wide array of techniques will increase the likelihood of uncomplicated extraction. Long implantation time, lack of operator experience, ICD lead type and female gender are risk factors for life-threatening complications. Lead extraction should therefore, ideally be performed in high volume centres with experienced staff and on-site support from a cardiothoracic surgical team able to deal with bleeding complications from cardiovascular perforation.
Intravascular lead extraction is a safe and efficient method of removing leads. However, there is a subgroup of patients with systemic sepsis with raised inflammatory markers who are at high risk of in-hospital mortality. Long-term follow-up demonstrates mortality which is a marker of the underlying etiology for device implantation, with heart failure patients particularly at risk.
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