Abstract

When approaching infected lead removal in cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE), a surgical consideration for large (>20 mm) vegetations is recommended. We report our experience with the removal of large CDRIE vegetations using the AngioVac system, as an alternative to conventional surgery. We retrospectively reviewed all infected lead extractions performed with a prior debulking using the AngioVac system, between October 2016 and April 2022 at our institution. A total of 13 patients presented a mean of 2(1) infected leads after a mean of 5.7(5.7) years from implantation (seven implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, four cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators, and two pacemakers). The AngioVac system was used as a venous–venous bypass in six cases (46.2%), venous–venous ECMO-like circuit (with an oxygenator) in five (38.5%), and venous–arterial ECMO-like circuit in two cases (15.4%). Successful (>70%) aspiration of the vegetations was achieved in 12 patients (92.3%) and an intraoperative complication (cardiac perforation) only occurred in 1 case (7.7%). Subsequent lead extraction was successful in all cases, either manually (38.5%) or using mechanical tools (61.5%). The AngioVac system is a promising effective and safe option for large vegetation debulking in CDRIE. Planning the extracorporeal circuit design may represent the optimal strategy to enhance the tolerability of the procedure and minimize adverse events.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.