ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Small vegetations (<2.0 cm) associated with infected cardiac device leads can be managed percutaneously, whereas larger vegetations typically are removed via open heart surgery. Unfortunately, many patients with intracardiac vegetations are not candidates for open removal. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report our experience in the outcomes associated with the percutaneous management of large vegetations. METHODS: Prospective data from January 2010 to August 2018 identified 826 patients with infections undergoing lead extraction. One hundred nineteen cases had vegetations measured in 2 dimensions (length and width) by transesophageal echocardiogram. Thirty-two patients had 3 characteristics: (1) at least 1 vegetation dimension ≥2.0 cm; (2) not a surgical candidate; and (3) had undergone transvenous lead extraction. The cohort was classified into 2 groups according to shape: (1) globular if the difference between dimensions was <30% between dimensions; and (2) nonglobular if the difference was >30%. The Fisher exact test and Pearson t test were used for analysis. P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis of a single tertiary cardiac surgery center registry showed a significantly lower chance of being alive at discharge in patients with globular vegetations compared to patients with nonglobular vegetations (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Vegetation size is an important determinant of outcomes in patients who are not surgical candidates undergoing transvenous lead extraction. However, vegetation shape is also a relevant factor, as globular vegetations may predict a worse result compared to nonglobular vegetations.
Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , Defibrillators, Implantable/adverse effects , Device Removal/methods , Endocarditis, Bacterial/etiology , Pacemaker, Artificial/adverse effects , Aged , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , Endocarditis, Bacterial/surgery , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A history of open-heart surgery has been a heavily debated topic in transvenous lead extraction. This study evaluates the impact of prior sternotomy on transvenous lead extraction outcomes. METHODS: Data for all patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction at a tertiary referral center were prospectively gathered from 2004 to 2017. Relevant clinical information was compared between patients with a history of sternotomy before transvenous lead extraction and those without. After considering baseline differences, multivariate regression, and propensity-matched analysis were performed. Outcome variables included major and minor complication rates, clinical success, and in-hospital mortality as defined by the 2017 Heart Rhythm Society consensus statement. RESULTS: Of 1480 patients in the study period, 455 had a prior sternotomy. When compared with patients with no prior sternotomy, those with prior sternotomy were more likely to be older, male, and present with more comorbidities and leads targeted for extraction. No statistical differences were identified in major and minor complication rates (P=0.75, P=0.41), clinical success rate (P=0.26), and in-hospital mortality (P=0.08). In patients with prior sternotomy, there were no instances of pericardial effusion after extraction. Prior sternotomy was not an independent predictor of clinical or procedural outcomes. No associations were elucidated after propensity-matched analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, single-center series, no differences in clinical or procedural outcomes were elucidated between patients with a history of sternotomy and those without. Patients with sternotomies before lead extraction who experienced vascular or cardiac perforations clinically presented with hemothoraces rather than pericardial effusions.
Subject(s)
Device Removal/methods , Endovascular Procedures/methods , Sternotomy , Aged , Defibrillators, Implantable/adverse effects , Equipment Failure , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Jugular Veins , Male , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has continued to rise along with indications for their removal. When confronted with challenging clinical scenarios such as device infection, malfunction or vessel occlusion, patients often require the prompt removal of CIED hardware, including associated leads. Recent advancements in percutaneous methods have enabled physicians to face a myriad of complex lead extractions with efficiency and safety. Looking ahead, emerging technologies hold great promise in making extractions safer and more accessible for patients worldwide. This review will provide the most up-to-date indications and procedural approaches for lead extractions and insight on the future trends in this novel field.
