The novel active fixation coronary sinus lead: efficacy and safety of transvenous extraction procedure.

AIMS: Benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are well known for heart failure; however, some patients might experience complications related to the coronary sinus (CS) lead (high pacing threshold, phrenic nerve stimulation, and dislodgment) with unfavourable impact on quality of life, costs, and management. Lead stability is one of the most common unmet needs for CRT procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: Recently, new model Medtronic 20066 Attain Stability(®) (Maastricht, The Netherlands) active fixation LV lead has been released, to overcome this issue. The lead has a small side helix of 0.20 mm (0.008 in.) that allows for secure placement of the lead within the vein at the desired location. We report our first experience with the extraction of this novel active fixation left ventricular lead. CONCLUSION: In our case, to our knowledge the first reported in humans, the extraction of this new model of active fixation lead was proved to be a safe and effective procedure at 8 months after implantation. Indeed, under angiographic and fluoroscopic check, there was no documented dissection or damage to the CS during and after removal of the lead. The rotation manoeuvre was effective when combined with moderate traction of the lead itself.

[Infective complications in patients with implantable cardiac devices: catheter extraction]. / Complicanze infettive nel paziente portatore di dispositivi: l'estrazione di elettrocateteri.

Complications related to device implantation, such as infections and malfunction, play a major role when considering the increasing rate of implant procedures. It is widely accepted in the scientific literature that the most effective way to eradicate device-related infections or complications resulting from malfunctioning involves the complete removal of the pacing system. The techniques of transvenous lead extraction include manual traction, mechanical dilation, powered sheaths (excimer laser system) using the femoral, jugular/subclavian or hybrid approach. The possibility of using different approaches, even in combination, has broadened the therapeutic armamentarium, allowing to revise the indications for removal of the system. Further clinical studies relating, specifically, to the different extraction techniques may contribute to develop common protocols by also evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the methods available.