Background: transvenous positioning of the left ventricular (LV) lead in a branch of the coronary sinus (CS) is generally the preferred implantation technique in biventricular pacing. Very few data are reported about removal of LV pacing leads positioned in a CS branch. Aim of the study was to describe our experience with percutaneous extraction of LV pacing leads in order to evaluate feasibility and safety of this procedure.
Methods: we enrolled 392 patients who underwent a biventricular pacing implant. The indication for catheter removal was considered in case of definite diagnosis of infection and in some cases of lead dislodgement or diaphragmatic stimulation. LV lead extraction was first attempted by manual traction; in case of failure a locking stylet or locking stylet plus radiofrequency could be used.
Results: twelve of 392 patients implanted needed LV lead removal. The leads had been in place for 13.9 +/- 11.7 months. Extraction was indicated in 5 of them for LV lead dislodgement or diaphragmatic stimulation, and in 7 patients for lead infection. In all cases manual traction succeeded to remove the LV lead. In 7 cases of infection, the right atrial and ventricular leads were removed. The mean total procedure time was 69 +/- 22 min. No complications were observed.
Conclusions: our study suggests that CS leads could be easily and safely removed without any complication, also when placed in a CS branch, at least for relatively young catheters.