Extraction of a 6-year-old leadless pacemaker (MICRA transcatheter pacing system) using commercially available removal tools: A case report

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2024 Aug;35(8):1706-1709. doi: 10.1111/jce.16339. Epub 2024 Jun 18.

Abstract

Introduction: Leadless pacemakers are associated with a low risk of infection, so indications for their removal are rare. One can expect that the dwell time of the device correlates with a more difficult removal, but it has not been proved so far.

Methods and results: We present a case of a patient in whom MICRA transcatheter pacing system was successfully removed with nondedicated commercially available tools, 70 months after implantation.

Conclusion: A successful removal of the MICRA leadless pacemaker is possible, and may be safe even many years after the device implantation, despite a lack of dedicated tools. Due to the potential risk of complications, the benefits and risks of the procedure should be weighted before making a final decision.

Keywords: MICRA TPS; battery depletion; extraction; goose neck snare; leadless pacemaker.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Device Removal*
  • Equipment Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome