Effective and safe long-term transvenous extraction of the novel active fixation coronary sinus lead

Abstract

Active fixation systems for leads in the coronary system minimize the risk of micro and macro dislodgement. However, extracting these leads is riskier than in the case of leads of passive fixation. This was confirmed by the results of the extraction of Medtronic StarFix lead. The new Medtronic 20066 Attain Stability lead was designed to combine the stability of fixation with the feasibility of extraction. In our report, we present the case of extraction of 36th month Medtronic 20066 Attain Stability lead. The lead was safely and entirely extracted with simple traction after securing with a locking stylet without visible damage to either the fixating mechanism or coronary veins. Our experience suggests that extraction of the Medtronic 20066 Attain Stability lead even after relatively long dwelling time seems to be substantially simpler and safer than the extraction of Medtronic StarFix lead.