Abstract Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) can become far more complex when unanticipated difficulties arise. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a simple scoring system that allows prediction of difficulty and complexity of this important procedure. Methods Based on a retrospective analysis of 3741 extraction procedures (extended fluoroscopy time, need for second-line instruments, and advanced techniques and instruments), a 5-point Complex Indicator of Difficulty of T(LE) Procedure (CID-TLEP) scale was developed. Two or more points on the CID-TLEP scale indicated a higher level of procedure complexity. Results Multivariate regression analysis showed that patient age below 51 years at first CIED implantation, number of abandoned leads, number of previous CIED-related procedures, passive fixation leads to be extracted, multiple leads to be extracted, and a ratio of dwell time of oldest extracted lead to patient age during TLE of >0.13 are significant predictors of higher levels of lead extraction complexity. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the total number of points (the sum of the odds ratios of the above variables) of >9.697 indicated a 21.83% higher probability of complex TLE (sensitivity 74.08%, specificity 74.46%). Finally, the logistic function model was employed, and a simple equation for Lead Extraction COMplexity was constructed to predict the probability of a difficult procedure. The risk of complex extraction (in percentage) was calculated as [1/(1 + 55.34·0.754X)]·100 (P < 0.001). Conclusion (1) The LECOM score can effectively predict the risk of a difficult transvenous lead extraction procedure, and (2) Predicting the probability of a more complex procedure may help clinicians in planning lead removal and improving patient management. (3) Simple on-line calculator should be available to predict a difficulty of planned TLE procedure and to allow to send more demanding patient to more experienced high-volume centre.