A novel simple and safe approach to frozen pacemaker leads

Abstract

Elective pulse generator replacement remains a mainstay procedure in any contemporary electrophysiology laboratory. Frozen pacemaker leads, where the leads fail to disengage from the pacemaker resulting in lead entrapment within the header, have been well described. We report on 2 cases where the pacemaker (IS-1) bipolar lead failed to detach from the device header and describe a novel solution to this unique and old problem involving the use of a procedural glove to effectively release a frozen lead and avoid the need for mechanical and electrical devices.