Using Preimplanted Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes for Rescue Thalamotomy in a Case of Holmes Tremor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stimulation of the thalamus is a surgical option in the management of intractable Holmes tremor. Patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) can encounter infection as a postoperative complication, necessitating explantation of the hardware. Some studies have reported on the technique and the resulting efficacy of therapeutic lesioning through implanted DBS leads before their explantation. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a patient with Holmes tremor who had stable control of symptoms with DBS of the nucleus ventralis intermedius of the thalamus (VIM) but developed localized infection over the extension at the neck, followed by gradual loss of a therapeutic effect as the neurostimulator reached the end of its service life. Three courses of systemic antibiotic therapy failed to control the infection. After careful consideration, we decided to make a rescue lesion through the implanted lead in the right VIM before explanting the complete DBS hardware. The tremor was well controlled after the rescue lesion procedure, and the effect was sustained during a 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This case and the previously discussed ones from the literature demonstrate that making a rescue lesion through the DBS lead can be the last plausible option in cases where the DBS system has to be explanted because of an infection and reimplantation is a remote possibility.

A Novel Approach to Managing Post Retropubic Vaginal Sling Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel technique of using peripheral nerve neuromodulation (PNNM) for the treatment of refractory, mesh-induced chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain associated with mesh can be a debilitating complication and there is currently no consensus on treatment. PNNM has been shown to be successful in the treatment of post-traumatic neuralgias but has yet to be studied in mesh complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a case of a 50-year-old woman who had unrelenting pelvic pain after retropubic sling placement. She failed multiple therapies including medications, mesh removal, pelvic floor physical therapy, pudendal neuromodulation, and pelvic floor onabotulinumtoxinA trigger point injections. RESULTS: The only treatment that provided temporary relief of this patient's pain was transvaginal trigger point injections along with a right pudendal nerve block using 40 mg triamcinolone and 0.5% ropivacaine. To help define if treatment at the site of her pain would provide relief, a series of blocks were done by advancing a needle retropubically to her area of pain and injecting triamcinolone and 0.5% ropivacaine. This injection, which corresponded to the previous tract of her retropubic sling, provided temporary, but profound, relief. PNNM was then done with placement of the electrode in the retropubic space at the site of her pain. This provided instantaneous relief of almost all of her pain symptoms. Twelve months postoperatively, the patient continued to have >90% improvement in her pain. CONCLUSION: Focused PNNM is a simple procedure and can provide symptomatic relief for refractory postvaginal mesh pain.

Catheter management after benign transurethral prostate surgery: RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Criteria.

OBJECTIVES: To formally assess the appropriateness of different timings of urethral catheter removal after transurethral prostate resection or ablation. Although urethral catheter placement is routine after this common treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), no guidelines inform duration of catheter use. STUDY DESIGN: RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology. METHODS: Using a standardized, multiround rating process (ie, the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology), an 11-member multidisciplinary panel reviewed a literature summary and rated clinical scenarios for urethral catheter duration after transurethral prostate surgery for BPH as appropriate (ie, benefits outweigh risks), inappropriate, or of uncertain appropriateness. We examined appropriateness across 4 clinical scenarios (no preexisting catheter, preexisting catheter [including intermittent], difficult catheter placement, significant perforation) and 5 durations (postoperative day [POD] 0, 1, 2, 3-6, or ≥7). RESULTS: Urethral catheter removal and first trial of void on POD 1 was rated appropriate for all scenarios except clinically significant perforations. In this case, waiting until POD 3 was deemed the earliest appropriate timing. Waiting 3 or more days to remove the catheter for patients with or without preexisting catheter needs, or for those with difficult catheter placement in the operating room, was rated as inappropriate. CONCLUSIONS: We defined clinically relevant guidance statements for the appropriateness of urethral catheter duration after transurethral prostate surgery. Given the lack of guidelines and this robust expert panel approach, these ratings may help clinicians and healthcare systems improve the consistency and quality of care for patients undergoing transurethral surgery for BPH.

Comparison of early versus standard timing for silicone stent removal following External Dacrocystorhinostomy under local anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: The first line treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is external dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR). Following DCR, patients are required to return to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) six weeks postoperatively for the removal of a silicone stent. As the majority of patients travel large distances at significant cost to reach TIO, most often patients remain within Kathmandu during this six weeks interval. This places a large financial burden on patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare patient outcomes after early (two weeks postoperatively) versus standard (six weeks postoperatively) removal of silicone stents. 50 selected patients were randomized into two equal groups. RESULTS: At the time of publication, 31 patients (14 in group A and 17 in group B) had completed three months follow up. A success rate of 92.9% was noted in Group A and a success rate of 94.1% observed in group B. No significant difference was found between the two groups for success rate and rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Early tube removal post DCR appears to cause no significant difference in outcome or complication rates compared to standard tube removal.

The peripheral portacath provides safe and convenient venous access in pediatric and adolescent patients.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent patients with chronic conditions rely on permanent venous access for safe treatment and supportive care. Traditionally this is provided by a central venous access device (CVAD) e.g. Hickmann catheter or totally implanted subcutaneous port or also called Port-a-Cath (PaC). We reviewed the patient experience, safety and feasibility of insertion of peripheral inserted implanted subcutaneous port (peripheral PaC). METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent insertion of peripheral PaC under ultrasound guidance at our institution since between 2012-2017 were reviewed to ascertain specific details including duration of insertion and complication rate. Short structured questionnaires were used to assess nursing and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Twenty eight peripheral PaC were inserted at our institution. There were 17 female and 11 male patients aged between 12.3 and 18.7 years (median = 16.1). Six were inserted under local anesthetic (LA) in patients who were not fit for general owing to mediastinal mass or lung disease. At the time of analysis 2 PaCs remained in situ with a median duration of 8 months (range 3-48). Removal of 26 PaCs was under LA in 15 cases and under GA in 11. Complications were observed in 9 cases but only necessitated early removal or replacement in 3 cases (displacement and disconnection) and repositioning in 1 case. Thrombosis was seen in 2 patients who required systemic anticoagulation but had complete resolution. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the use of peripheral PaC is safe. The feedback from patients and nursing staff supports the use of the peripheral PaC. We are exploring additional patient groups that might benefit from this device.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias affect 20%-50% of adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and some of these patients will require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) such as pacemaker and/or internal cardioverter defibrillator. METHODS: The Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database was queried for patients with repaired TOF and history of CIED implantation, 1990-2017. The study objectives were: (1) determine the occurrence of device-related complications defined as lead failure, lead recall, device infection and lead thrombus; and (2) determine the occurrence and risk factors for defibrillator shock. RESULTS: There were 99 patients (age 46±14 years and 66 (66%) men) with CIED, and the CIEDs were 41 (41%) pacemakers and 73 (73%) defibrillators. Indication for defibrillator implantation was for primary prevention in 28 (38%) and secondary prevention in 45 (62%). Device-related complications occurred in 20 (20%) patients (lead failure 17, lead recall 4, device infection 12 and thrombus 3). Twenty-five per cent of all device infections occurred within 30 days from the time of device generator change. Annualised rates of appropriate and inappropriate shocks were 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively. The use of class III antiarrhythmic drug was protective against defibrillator shock. CONCLUSION: The current study provides useful outcome data to aid patient counselling and clinical decision-making. Further studies are required to explore ways to decrease the risk of postprocedural infection after device generator change, and to determine which patients will benefit from empirical antiarrhythmic therapy as a strategy to decrease incidence of inappropriate defibrillator shock.

Feasibility of complex transfemoral electrophysiology procedures in patients with inferior vena cava filters.

BACKGROUND: The presence of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) has been considered a relative contraindication to electrophysiology (EP) procedures that require transfemoral venous placement of multiple catheters and/or long sheaths. There are inadequate data related to complex EP procedures in this population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of a single high-volume center with respect to complex EP procedures in patients with IVCFs. METHODS: Patients with IVCFs undergoing complex EP procedures between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Clinical characteristics, IVCF type, procedural findings, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty complex ablation procedures were performed in 40 patients (mean age 63.8 ± 10.9 years; 68% men). The mean IVCF dwell time was 69.1 ± 19.1 months, and 48 patients (96%) were on chronic oral anticoagulation. Procedures included ablation of atrial fibrillation (n = 21), ventricular tachycardia (n = 20), supraventricular tachycardia (n = 3), cavotricuspid isthmus flutter (n = 3), supraventricular tachycardia and cavotricuspid isthmus flutter (n = 1), and transvenous lead extraction (n = 3). Twenty procedures included quadripolar catheters (mean 1.4 ± 0.75), and 33 procedures involved deflectable decapolar catheters (mean 1.7 ± 0.47). Long sheaths were used in 35 cases (mean 1.63 ± 0.49) and intracardiac echocardiography in 38. In 4 cases (involving 3 patients), the IVCF was occluded and could not be crossed. There were no procedural complications related to the IVCF. CONCLUSION: The substantial majority of IVCFs in patients presenting for complex EP procedures were patent and easily crossed under fluoroscopic guidance. The presence of an IVCF should not discourage operators from performing procedures that require transfemoral deployment of multiple catheters and/or sheaths.

Total laser cycles-a measure of transvenous lead extraction difficulty.

BACKGROUND: Several variables have been identified as predictors for difficult or complicated transvenous lead extraction (TLE), including age and number of implanted leads, as well as patient's age; however, a standard measure of TLE difficulty has not been described. OBJECTIVE: Total laser cycles (TLCs) delivered during laser-assisted TLE is an objective variable that could reflect the difficulty of TLE. This study investigated whether TLC is correlated with known predictors of difficult TLE. METHODS: In a retrospective study of TLE procedures using the laser sheath, we analyzed TLC delivered and compared it to established predictors of procedural failure and complications. RESULTS: Of 166 patients undergoing TLE, the laser sheath (SLS II or Glidelight, Spectranetics Inc.,) was used as the primary extraction sheath in 130 patients, and 100 patients had complete TLC data available. The mean age of the oldest lead (AOL) was 7.1 ± 3.2 years with a median of 6.91 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.48-16.69) years, and 1.6 ± 0.7 leads (range, 1-4) were extracted per procedure. Two thirds of procedures involved ICD leads. Clinical success was 99%, with one patient (1%) experiencing a major complication. Median TLC delivered was 1165 (IQR, 567-2062; range, 49-9522). TLC was positively correlated with AOL (r = 0.227, p = 0.023), and the combined age of leads was extracted (r = 0.307, p = 0.002). TLC was also positively correlated with number of leads extracted per procedure (ρ = 0.227, p = 0.024). There was a non-significant negative trend towards correlation between TLC and patient's age (r = -0.112, p = 0.268). CONCLUSION: TLC showed significant correlation with known predictors of difficulty during TLE using the laser sheath. TLC is an objective method to report the difficulty of TLE and could usefully be reported in future series of laser lead extractions.

A Review of Interventions to Increase Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Rates.

BACKGROUND: Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) are indicated for therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients when anticoagulation has failed or is contraindicated. Retrievable IVCFs are not always retrieved despite clinical recommendations. The purpose of this review is to compare results in the literature regarding interventions and to improve IVCF retrieval rates. METHODS: Articles were identified via the search terms "vena cava filters" and "inferior vena cava filters" in conjunction with "retrieval." Searches were repeated in MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database. Exclusion criteria included duplicates, misidentified subject matter, study period before 2008, and lack of control group. Two independent reviewers screened key elements in the identified manuscripts, including the targeted intervention population, study design, IVCF retrieval rates, and other outcomes. A third reviewer corroborated results and consolidated findings. RESULTS: Seventeen articles were identified for review. Of these, 12 were physician-targeted interventions, and 8 were patient-targeted interventions (3 studies included both). IVCF retrieval rates varied substantially for each study, but all reviewed studies reported improvement in retrieval rate following intervention. Only 5 studies reported decreased IVCF indwell times in intervention groups. Reported complication rates from IVCF retrievals were low, ranging from 0 to 2%. CONCLUSIONS: IVCF retrieval rates were improved by all interventions in the reviewed studies. Findings suggest that IVCF retrieval rates can be best improved by tracking patients typically lost to follow-up. Literature suggests that successful tracking requires an individual or team of individuals who have been assigned dedicated clinical responsibility for coordinating care following IVCF placement.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Adjuvant Treatment for Hardware-Related Infections in Neuromodulation.

BACKGROUND: In neuromodulation therapies, hardware-related infections are a major challenge often leading to hardware removal. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in hardware-related infections. METHODS: Fourteen hardware-related infection events in 12 consecutive patients between 2002 and 2015 were treated with antibiotics and adjuvant HBOT at the Karolinska University Hospital (Stockholm, Sweden). Two time-independent infection events related to hardware replacements occurred in 2 patients. Infection resolution and the need for hardware removal were assessed. RESULTS: Twelve out of 14 events of hardware-related infection were successfully treated without hardware removal (86%). The 2 patients treated twice with HBOT on 2 time-independent occasions could retain their hardware in both cases. Hardware was removed following HBOT failure in 2 infection events, with long-term infection control achieved in all patients. Further, an intrathecal pump malfunction caused by HBOT at 2.8 bars was observed, leading to a change in the manufacturer's guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a potential benefit of adjuvant HBOT in the treatment of hardware-related infections in neuromodulation, diminishing the need for hardware removal and treatment interruption. Prospective studies are warranted to establish the role of adjuvant HBOT in the treatment of hardware-related infections in neuromodulation.

Rhythm and orthopedics: The effect of music therapy in cast room procedures, a prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cast room procedures generally cause anxiety in patients. Anxiety complicates the procedure as well as increases the risk of a complication. Listening to music was found to be the safest and most common non-drug treatment method. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of listening to music on adult patients in cast room procedures. This study points out the relation between anxiety and anxiety relevant cardiac arrhythmia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 199 patients with stable general condition, aged above 18. The patients were divided into two groups. Randomization method used in the study was coin flip. The first group (Group 1) listened to music during cast room procedures whereby the second group (Group 2) did not listen to music. Length of the procedure, complication, blood pressure and heart rate evaluations before and after the procedure, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS scores for pain), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) anxiety score, patient satisfaction, willingness of the patient to repeat the procedure, P wave dispersion (Pd) and corrected QT interval dispersion (QTcd) as electrocardiographic arrhythmia predictors were evaluated. The Clinical Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained for this study. RESULTS: Significant difference was shown between the two groups for the following criteria: VAS scores (p = 0.005), anxiety scores (p = 0.032), processing time (p = 0.027), and QTcd values (p = 0.031). Patient satisfaction (p < 0.001) and willingness to repeat the procedure (p < 0.001) were higher for the group who listened to music. No significant difference in Pd values, blood pressure and heart rate was reported within the groups. CONCLUSION: Music therapy is a non-invasive, safe, nonpharmacologic, anxiolytic, and analgesic treatment. Music therapy should become standard protocol in cast room procedures. One of the most important achievements of this study was the fact that music decreases anxiety and anxiety-related cardiac arrhythmia. Therefore, conducting further prospective studies including high cardiac risk patients especially with arrhythmia is crucial.

Removal of Sacral Nerve Stimulation Devices for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: What Happens Next?

INTRODUCTION: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) are not approved to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of sites other than the head. When MRIs are required, devices are often removed prior to imaging. We reviewed the prevalence of device removal for MRI at a large academic institution and the subsequent clinical course of these patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of all SNM explants from 2009-2015 was performed. Cases explanted for MRI were analyzed to collect demographics, clinical characteristics, and postremoval management. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent SNM device removal, with 21 (23%) occurring for MRI. At explant, 20 patients (95%) were female and median age was 66 years. Suboptimal symptom control from SNM was noted in seven (33%) of these patients preoperatively. Of those explanted, six (29%) required MRI for neurologic and 10 (48%) for orthopedic concerns. The remaining MRI indications included abdominal masses (10%), genitourinary disease (5%), surveillance for prior malignancy (5%), and cardiac disease (5%). Only 16 (76%) patients explanted ultimately underwent MRI. MRI results impacted clinical management in 9/16 (56%) of the imaged patients. Only two (10%) of explanted patients underwent device replacement. CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving SNM therapy, device removal for MRI is most commonly due to orthopedic and neurologic pathologies. About half of the MRIs performed impacted non-GU clinical management. It is of paramount importance to confirm the necessity of MRI before removing a functional SNM device. Since SNM replacement was rare in this cohort, research is needed on the safety of various MRI types with SNM devices in vivo.

Cardiac implantable electronic device lead extraction using the lead-locking device system: keeping it simple, safe, and inexpensive with mechanical tools and local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously reported our successful approach for percutaneous cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead extraction using inexpensive tools, which we have continued over the years. Herein we report the results of the systematic use of a unique stylet, the lead-locking device (LLD), which securely locks the entire lead lumen, aided with non-powered telescoping sheaths in 54 patients to extract 98 CIED leads. METHODS: This prospective observational clinical study included 38 men and 16 women aged 68.9±13.1 years undergoing lead extraction for device infection (n=46), lead malfunction (n=5), or prior to defibrillator implant (n=3). Leads were in place for 6.7±4.3 years. Infections were more commonly due to Staphylococcus species (n=40). There were 78 pacing (31 ventricular, 37 atrial, 4 VDD, and 6 coronary sinus leads) and 20 defibrillating leads. RESULTS: Using simple traction (6 leads) and the LLD stylets (92 leads) aided with telescoping sheaths (15 patients), 96 (98%) leads in 52 (96.3%) patients were successfully removed, with all but one leads removed using a subclavian approach; in 1 patient, the right femoral approach was also required. In 2 patients, distal fragments from one ventricular pacing and one defibrillating lead could not be removed. Finally, lead removal was completely (52/54) (96.3%) or partially (2/54) (3.7%) successful in 54 patients for 96 of 98 leads (98%) without major complications. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous lead extraction can be successful with mechanical tools using the LLD locking stylet aided with non-powered telescoping sheaths through a simplified, safe, and inexpensive procedure using local anesthesia.

A micro-scale printable nanoclip for electrical stimulation and recording in small nerves.

OBJECTIVE: The vision of bioelectronic medicine is to treat disease by modulating the signaling of visceral nerves near various end organs. In small animal models, the nerves of interest can have small diameters and limited surgical access. New high-resolution methods for building nerve interfaces are desirable. In this study, we present a novel nerve interface and demonstrate its use for stimulation and recording in small nerves. APPROACH: We design and fabricate micro-scale electrode-laden nanoclips capable of interfacing with nerves as small as 50 µm in diameter. The nanoclips are fabricated using a direct laser writing technique with a resolution of 200 nm. The resolution of the printing process allows for incorporation of a number of innovations such as trapdoors to secure the device to the nerve, and quick-release mounts that facilitate keyhole surgery, obviating the need for forceps. The nanoclip can be built around various electrode materials; here we use carbon nanotube fibers for minimally invasive tethering. MAIN RESULTS: We present data from stimulation-evoked responses of the tracheal syringeal (hypoglossal) nerve of the zebra finch, as well as quantification of nerve functionality at various time points post implant, demonstrating that the nanoclip is compatible with healthy nerve activity over sub-chronic timescales. SIGNIFICANCE: Our nerve interface addresses key challenges in interfacing with small nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Its small size, ability to remain on the nerve over sub-chronic timescales, and ease of implantation, make it a promising tool for future use in the treatment of disease.

Hybrid Minimally Invasive Approach for Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Feasible Technique in High-Risk Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the overall safety, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) remains a challenging procedure with inherent risks, where surgery can still be required in elective cases. In this study, we report our experience with a minimally invasive "hybrid" approach, defined as a procedure performed by an electrophysiologist with the support of a cardiac surgeon in the same operative session. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reported 12 cases of planned hybrid lead extraction; minithoracotomy and thoracoscopy were performed on 10 (83%) and 2 (17%) patients, respectively. A total of 25 leads out of 27 (median lead age 19 years) were successfully extracted with laser, mechanical or combined transvenous sheath. In 3 patients, the direct monitoring of vascular and myocardial integrity allowed for prompt treatment of potential vascular injury during the lead extraction maneuvers. Mean in-hospital stay was 4 ± 2 days. There were no major intraoperative complications and no deaths occurred after 30 days' follow-up. CONCLUSION: The hybrid approach, with minithoracotomy or thoracoscopy, is feasible and it might increase the safety in the most challenging TLE procedures: the minimally invasive surgical intervention allows for continuous monitoring of the critical cardiac structures and prompt treatment of potential complications.

Management of functional Sprint Fidelis leads at cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator generator replacement: a novel option for preventing inappropriate shocks from lead failure in fragile patients with high risk of sudden death.

AIMS: In patients with a functional Sprint Fidelis lead at generator replacement, the manufacturer recommended to either continue to use the existing lead or replace it with a new lead. For those patients who continue to use a functional Fidelis lead, the risk of inappropriate shocks remains present if the lead fails in the future. We evaluated the feasibility of an alternative approach at the time of cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) generator replacement in patients with a functional bipolar left ventricular (LV) lead for prevention of inappropriate shocks from future Fidelis lead failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: During the procedure, the pace/sense IS-1 connection pin of the functional Fidelis lead was intentionally inserted into the LV port of the new CRT-D generator, while the existing bipolar LV lead IS-1 connection pin was inserted into the right ventricular (RV) pace/sense port. After such switching, the existing bipolar LV lead was used for functional LV pacing/sensing, while the Fidelis lead was used for functional RV pacing and high voltage shock only and could no longer be used for the purpose of sensing and detecting. This approach precluded oversensing and inappropriate shocks should the functional Fidelis lead fail in the future. Six fragile patients, who were not considered suitable candidates for lead replacement, underwent the alternative approach. During a follow-up of 35 ± 23 months, the CRT-D system functioned normally in five patients. The Fidelis lead fractured in one patient 7 months after generator replacement. The malfunction was detected promptly and the defected lead was replaced. No inappropriate detections or shock was triggered. CONCLUSIONS: In CRT-D patients with a functional Fidelis lead and a bipolar LV lead, switching of the Fidelis lead pace/sense IS-1 pin with the bipolar LV lead IS-1 pin at generator replacement did not affect normal system function. This novel approach may be valuable in fragile patients with high risk of sudden death for prevention of inappropriate shocks triggered by oversensing from a malfunctioning Fidelis lead.

A standardized surgical technique for removal of the Interstim tined lead.

INTRODUCTION: Explantation of the Interstim sacral neuromodulation (SNM) device is occasionally necessary. Removing the tined lead can put strain on the lead, resulting in a possible break and retained fragments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notification regarding health consequences related to retained lead fragments. We describe a novel and safe surgical technique for removing the Interstim device and permanent lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for complications related to tined lead removal and searched the database of a single surgeon at our institution. Our standardized technique for tined lead removal is as follows. An incision is made over the previous lead insertion site and the lead is isolated and externalized. The fibrous encapsulation is dissected off the lead to expose the tines and ensure the lead is free from adhesions. The lead is removed by wrapping it around a curved hemostat and turning it under tension. If the lead breaks, the incision is extended and dissection is carried down to the sacral body to remove all fragments. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had their tined lead removed between 2009 and 2015 after being in place a median of 2.00 years (IQR 1.32-3.32 years). One lead broke (3.6%) during removal over the 6 years using our standardized approach. CONCLUSION: Permanent tined leads can break on removal and retained fragments can pose significant health consequences. Our technique standardizes the approach for removal and is safe and effective in our series.