Abstract 11914: Coronary Sinus Lead Extraction_Laser Required

Abstract

Introduction: Studies of coronary sinus (CS) lead extraction have reported high success rates with manual traction, but largely included leads with dwell times less than 3 years. Our aim was to evaluate CS lead extractions of more chronic leads and establish if dwell time was correlated to complexity of extraction. Methods: This is a single center, retrospective review of 96 consecutive lead extraction procedures. A total of 14 CS leads were identified. Results: Of the 14 CS lead extractions, 13 were successful from an endovascular approach. Indications included 8 cases of endocarditis, 4 pocket infections, 1 dislodged lead and 1 malfunctioning lead. Six extractions were performed with manual traction, dwell time of these leads ranged from 5 months to 28 months, with an average implant time of 10.8 months. Eight extractions required use of a laser sheath (LS) to free the lead from adhesions. In no case was the LS used within the CS. The dwell time of these leads ranged from 45 months to 114 months, with an average lead age of 83.4 months. One LS case also required use of a rotating mechanical sheath. In one LS assisted extraction, the lead fragmented within the CS and could not be recovered endovascularly despite the use of multiple snares. This lead fragment was removed via an open surgical approach. Conclusion: CS leads require the use of advanced extraction tools in the majority of patients. All leads placed in the preceding 28 months were removed with simple manual traction, however all leads that were in place for more than 3 years required use of a LS. In contrast to prior reports, we found that coronary sinus leads posed the same procedural challenges as other cardiac leads and typically require advanced extraction tools.