Case Series and Review of Literature for Superior Vena Cava Injury During Laser Lead Extraction.

Transvenous laser lead extraction poses a risk of major complications (0.19%-1.8%), notably injury to the superior vena cava (SVC) in 0.19% to 0.96% of cases. Various factors contribute to SVC injury, which can be categorized as patient-related (such as female gender, low body mass index, diabetes, renal problems, anemia, and reduced ejection fraction), device-related (including the number, dwell time, and type of leads), or procedural-related (such as reason for extraction, venous obstructions, and bilateral lead placements).

Embolization of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices: Timing, management and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder embolization is an infrequent but serious complication. OBJECTIVES: We aim to describe timing, management and clinical outcomes of device embolization in a multi-center registry. METHODS: Patient characteristics, imaging findings and procedure and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Device embolizations were categorized according to 1) timing 2) management and 3) clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-seven centers contributed data. Device embolization occurred in 108 patients. In 70.4 % of cases, it happened within the first 24 h of the procedure. The device was purposefully left in the LA and the aorta in two (1.9 %) patients, an initial percutaneous retrieval was attempted in 81 (75.0 %) and surgery without prior percutaneous retrieval attempt was performed in 23 (21.3 %) patients. Two patients died before a retrieval attempt could be made. In 28/81 (34.6 %) patients with an initial percutaneous retrieval attempt a second, additional attempt was performed, which was associated with a high mortality (death in patients with one attempt: 2.9 % vs. second attempt: 21.4 %, p < 0.001). The primary outcome (bailout surgery, cardiogenic shock, stroke, TIA, and/or death) occurred in 47 (43.5 %) patients. Other major complications related to device embolization occurred in 21 (19.4 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of device embolizations after LAA closure occurs early. A percutaneous approach is often the preferred method for a first rescue attempt. Major adverse event rates, including death, are high particularly if the first retrieval attempt was unsuccessful. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: This dedicated multicenter registry examined timing, management, and clinical outcome of device embolization. Early embolization (70.4 %) was most frequent. As a first rescue attempt, percutaneous retrieval was preferred in 75.0 %, followed by surgical removal (21.3 %). In patients with a second retrieval attempt a higher mortality (death first attempt: 2.9 % vs. death second attempt: 24.1 %, p < 0.001) was observed. Mortality (10.2 %) and the major complication rate after device embolization were high.

Bilateral total iris atrophy, corneal decompensation and glaucoma following bilateral cosmetic artificial iris implantation: A case report of severe sequela and successful management.

PURPOSE: Cosmetic iris implants have a record of high ocular complications and are no longer in use. These complications include glaucoma, corneal decompensation, iris atrophy, uveitis, cataract and retinal detachment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 44-year-old lady presented with bilateral total iris atrophy, glaucoma and corneal decompensation after cosmetic artificial iris implantation. The patient underwent bilateral artificial iris removal, glaucoma drainage device for the right eye, and micropulse laser for the left eye. In addition, she underwent phacoemulsification with iris-diaphragm intraocular lens implant for the right. The cornea of the right eye ended up with successful Boston keratoprosthesis after rejection of previous 2 grafts. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we describe the first report of bilateral total iris atrophy following a cosmetic iris implant accompanied by bilateral glaucoma and corneal decompensation.

Outcomes of tricuspid regurgitation after lead extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Transvenous leads have been implicated in tricuspid valve (TV) dysfunction, but limited data are available regarding the effect of extracting leads across the TV on valve regurgitation. The aim of this study is to quantify tricuspid regurgitation (TR) before and after lead extraction and identify predictors of worsening TR. METHODS: We studied 321 patients who had echocardiographic data before and after lead extraction. TR was graded on a scale (0 = none/trivial, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). A change of >1 grade following extraction was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients underwent extraction of a total of 338 leads across the TV (1.05 ± 0.31 leads across the TV per patient). There was no significant difference on average TR grade pre- and postextraction (1.18 ± 0.91 vs. 1.15 ± 0.87; p = 0.79). TR severity increased after extraction in 84 patients, but was classified as significantly worse (i.e., >1 grade change in severity) in only 8 patients (2.5%). Use of laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR postextraction (44.0% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In our single-center analysis, extraction of leads across the TV did not significantly affect the extent of TR in most patients. Laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR after extraction.

Comparison of inferior vena cava filter use and outcomes between cancer and non-cancer patients in a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: While accepted indications for the use of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) in patients with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) have remained stable, their use continues to be frequent. Retrieval rates are still low, being particularly notable in the population with cancer. This study aims to review the rate of adherence to guidelines recommendation and to compare retrieval rates and complications in both cancer and non-cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed including 185 patients in whom an IVCF was placed in Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and IVCF-related outcomes were analyzed. A strongly recommended indication (SRI) was considered if it was included in all the revised clinical guidelines and non-strongly if it was included in only some. RESULTS: Overall, 47 % of the patients had a SRI, without differences between groups. IVCF placement after 29 days from the VTE event was more frequent in the cancer group (46.1 vs. 17.7 %). Patients with cancer (48.1 % of the cohort) were older, with higher co-morbidity and bleeding risk. Anticoagulation resumption (75.3 % vs. 92.7 %) and IVCF retrieval (50.6 % vs. 66.7 %) were significantly less frequent in cancer patients. No significant differences were found regarding IVCF-related complications, hemorrhagic events and VTE recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: SRI of IVCF placement was found in less than half of the patients. Cancer patients had higher rates of IVCF placement without indication and lower anticoagulation resumption and IVCF retrieval ratios, despite complications were similar in both groups.

Chest tube removal at different gas flows in prolonged air leak: a randomized non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of removing drainage tubes at larger size of air leak in patients with prolonged air leak after pulmonary surgery. METHODS: Ninety-five patients who underwent pulmonary surgery with prolonged air leak in our centre were enrolled in this randomized controlled, single-centre, non-inferiority study. The drainage tube was clamped with a stable size of air leak observed over the last 6 h, which was quantified by gas flow rate using the digital drainage system. The control group (n = 48) and the study group (n = 46) had their drainage tube clamped at 0-20 ml/min and 60-80 ml/min, respectively. We continuously monitored clinical symptoms, conducted imaging and laboratory examinations, and decided whether to reopen the drainage tube. RESULTS: The reopening rate in the study group was not lower than that in the control group (2.08% vs 6.52%, P > 0.05). The absolute difference in reopening rate was 4.44% (95% confidence interval -0.038 to 0.126), with an upper limit of 12.6% below the non-inferiority margin (15%). There were significant differences in the length of stay [16.5 (13-24.75) vs 13.5 (12-19.25), P = 0.017] and the duration of drainage [12 (9.25-18.50) vs 10 (8-12.25), P = 0.007] between the control and study groups. No notable differences were observed in chest X-ray results 14 days after discharge or in the readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with prolonged air leak, removing drainage tubes at larger size of air leak demonstrated similar safety compared to smaller size of air leak, and can shorten both length of stay and drainage duration. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Name of registry: Gas flow threshold for safe removal of chest drainage in patients with alveolar-pleural fistula prolonged air leak after pulmonary surgery. Registration number: ChiCTR2200067120. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/.

Effect of age on in-hospital outcomes of transvenous lead extraction for infected cardiac implantable electronic device.

BACKGROUND: The real-world data on the safety profile of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) for infected cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) among elderly patients is not well-established. This study aimed to evaluate the hospital outcomes between patients of different age groups who underwent TLE for infected CIED. METHOD: Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, our study included patients aged ≥18 years who underwent TLE for infected CIED between 2017 and 2020. We divided the patients into four groups: Group A. Young (<50 years), Group B. Young intermediate (50-69 years old), Group C. Older intermediate (70-79 years old), and Group D. Octogenarian (≥80 years old). We then analyzed the in-hospital outcome and 30-day readmission between these age groups. RESULTS: A total of 10,928 patients who were admitted for TLE of infected CIED were included in this study: 982 (9.0%) patients in group A, 4,234 (38.7%) patients in group B, 3,204 (29.3%) patients in group C and 2,508 (23.0%) of patients in group D. Our study demonstrated that the risk of early mortality increased with older age (Group B vs. Group A: OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.19-3.09, p < .01; Group C vs. Group A: OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.51-4.04, p < .01; Group D vs. Group A: OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.69-4.72, p < .01). The risk of non-home discharge also increased in elderly groups (Group B vs. Group A: OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.52-2.36; p < .01; Group C vs. Group A: OR: 2.82; 95% CI 2.24-3.56; p < .01; Group D vs. Group A: OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 3.28-5.28; p < .01). There was no significant difference in hospitalization length and 30-day readmission between different age groups. Apart from a higher rate of open heart surgery in group A, the procedural complications were comparable between these age groups. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients had worse in-hospital outcomes in early mortality and non-home discharge following the TLE for infected CIED. There was no significant difference between elderly and non-elderly groups in prolonged hospital stay and 30-day readmission. Elderly patients did not have a higher risk of procedural complications.

Safety and efficacy of combined dilation/stenting of venous abnormalities, including complete obstructions, during lead extractions in patients with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Management of transvenous leads in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) can be complicated by venous obstructions and residual shunts. We present our experience performing concurrent lead extraction and dilation/stenting of venous pathways, including patients with complete venous obstruction. METHODS: All cases of concurrent lead extraction and recanalization of vena cavae/baffles between 2017 and 2021 at Boston Children's Hospital were retrospectively included and reviewed for safety and efficacy. RESULTS: Eight patients, 4 female, median 38.5 years of age (range 16.7-49 years) and 81.6 kg weight (range 41.3-97.8 kg) at time of procedure were included. All patients had CHD, a majority (n = 7) having transposition of the great arteries palliated via atrial switch. All leads were removed in their entirety, with most patients having two leads extracted (n = 7). Median lead dwell time was 13.8 years (range 3.6-35.3 years). Three patients had complete obstructions, three required stenting of their innominate veins and three required recanalization of their femoral vessels. Median procedure time was 9.8 h (range 5.4-12.8 h). Complications included blood transfusion (n = 2), arrhythmia (n = 3), pleural effusion (n = 1), and pressure ulcer (n = 1). There were no cardiac perforations, venous tears, or deaths. CONCLUSION: Lead extraction along with dilation and stenting of venous anomalies, though long in duration, proved effective with minimal complications. This combined procedure can safely and effectively resolve complete obstructions secondary to transvenous leads.

Efficacy and safety of post-closure technique using Perclose ProGlide/ProStyle device for large-bore mechanical circulatory support access sites.

PURPOSE: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) device or a catheter-type heart pump (Impella) is critical for the rescue of patients with severe cardiogenic shock. However, these MCS devices require large-bore cannula access (14-Fr and larger) at the femoral artery or vein, which often requires surgical decannulation. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated post-closure method using a percutaneous suture-mediated vascular closure system, Perclose ProGlide/ProStyle (Abbott Vascular, Lake Bluff, IL, Perclose), as an alternative procedure for MCS decannulation. Closure of 83 Impella access sites and 68 VA-ECMO access sites performed using Perclose or surgical method between January 2018 and March 2023 were evaluated. RESULTS: MCS decannulation using Perclose was successfully completed in all access sites without surgical hemostasis. The procedure time of ProGlide was shorter than surgical decannulation for both Impella and VA-ECMO (13 min vs. 50 min; p < 0.001, 21 min vs. 65 min; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the 30-day survival rate and major adverse events by decannulation including arterial dissection requiring endovascular treatment, hemorrhage requiring a large amount of red blood cell transfusion, and access site infection. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the post-closure technique using the percutaneous suture-mediated closure system appears to be a safe and effective method for large-bore MCS decannulation.

Predictors of retrieval and long-term mortality in patients treated with inferior vena cava filters.

OBJECTIVE: Inferior vena cava filters (VCFs) are a therapeutic resource for the treatment of patients with thromboembolic disease who have a contraindication to full-dose anticoagulation. In the present study, we report the retrieval rate and long-term mortality of patients receiving optional inferior VCFs and identify the predictors for retrieval and all-cause mortality during follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 739 consecutive recipients of optional inferior VCFs from January 2002 to December 2021 in two hospitals. Different clinical characteristics and procedure-related variables were included in the analysis. The all-cause mortality rate and retrieval rate and the predictive factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 739 patients, 393 (53%) were women. The mean patient age was 69 ± 15 years. Of the patients, 67% presented with pulmonary thromboembolism and 43% with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A contraindication to anticoagulation was present for nearly 90% of the patients, mainly (47%) related to the surgical procedure. In addition, 44% of the patients had active cancer. Follow-up data were available for 94% of the patients, with an average follow-up time of 6.08 ± 5.83 years. Long-term mortality was 53%. Cancer (odds ratio [OR], 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22-5.83), age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42), and DVT (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. The retrieval rate at follow-up was 33%. The predictors for retrieval included the indication of the filter related to a surgical procedure (OR, 4.85; 95% CI, 2.54-9.59), the absence of cancer (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.45-5.75), and younger age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: High long-term mortality was observed. The predictors of mortality were cancer, older age, and DVT. One third of the filters implanted were retrieved. The predictors for retrieval were a contraindication to surgery-related anticoagulation, the absence of cancer, and younger age.

The development of a novel endovascular grasper for challenging inferior vena cava filter retrieval.

OBJECTIVE: Although inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are commonly retrieved using a snare, lateral tilt and fibrosis around struts can complicate the procedure and sometimes require the use of off-label devices. We describe the development of a novel articulating endovascular grasper designed to remove permanent and retrievable IVC filters in any configuration. METHODS: For in vitro testing, the IVC filters were anchored to the inner wall of a flexible tube in a centered or tilted configuration. A high-contrast backlit camera view simulated the two-dimensional fluoroscopy projection during retrieval. The time from the retrieval device introduction into the camera field to complete filter retrieval was measured in seconds. The control experiment involved temporary IVC filter retrieval with a snare. There were four comparative groups: (1) retrievable filter in centered configuration; (2) retrievable filter in tilted configuration; (3) permanent filter in centered configuration; and (4) permanent filter in tilted configuration. Every experiment was repeated five times, with median retrieval time compared with the control group. For in vivo testing in a porcine model, six tilted infrarenal IVC filters were retrieved with grasper via right jugular approach. Comparison analysis between animal and patient procedures was performed for the following variables: total procedure time, the retrieval time, and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: The in vitro experiments showed comparable retrieval times between the experimental groups 1, 2, and 4 and the control. However, grasper removal of a centered permanent filter (group 3) required significantly less time than in the control (29 vs 79 seconds; P = .009). In the animal model, all IVC filters were retrieved using the grasper with no adverse events. The total procedure time (21.2 vs 43.5 minutes; P = .01) and the fluoroscopy time (4.3 vs 10 minutes; P = .044) were significantly shorter in the animal model compared with the patient group. Moreover, in the patient group, 16.7% of retrievals required advanced endovascular techniques, and one IVC filter could not be retrieved (success rate = 91.7%), whereas all the IVC filters were successfully retrieved in the animal model without the use of additional tools. CONCLUSIONS: The novel endovascular grasper is effective in retrieving different types of IVC filters in different configurations and compared favorably with the snare in the in vitro model. In vivo experiments demonstrated more effective retrieval when compared with matched patient retrievals.

Application of the Double Series Filter Technique for the Treatment of Acute Inferior Vena Cava Filter-Mediated Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined the safety and effectiveness of removing inferior vena cava (IVC) filters with residual acute thrombosis after endovascular therapy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 712 patients who underwent retrievable IVC filter implantation between July 2018 and December 2022 was conducted. Residual thrombosis with the IVC filter occurred in 18 patients, and the volume of residual acute thrombosis in the IVC filter exceeded 1 mL in all cases. Angiography was performed to evaluate the size of the residual thrombosis and its position with respect to the filter. The double series filter technique (first filter, infrarenal IVC filter; second filter, suprarenal IVC filter) was used to remove the filter and thrombosis. We summarize the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical experience of these patients. RESULTS: In this study, 16 of 18 patients (88.9%) demonstrated residual thrombosis in the IVC filter. One patient (5.6%) demonstrated thrombosis located both inside and floating above the filter, and one patient (5.6%) demonstrated thrombosis located both inside and underneath the filter. The technical success rate of double series IVC filter retrieval was 100%. Seventeen patients (94.4%) underwent single-stage suprarenal IVC filter retrieval, and one patient (5.6%, 1/18) underwent two-stage retrieval. In terms of residual thrombosis removal, 14 patients (77.7%) achieved complete removal and 4 patients (22.3%) achieved partial removal. Residual thrombosis could not be removed through the sheath in one patient, so femoral vein thrombectomy was performed. No other procedure-related complications were observed. The median follow-up time was 22.5 ± 6.8 months. No recurrence of thrombus symptoms was reported, and B ultrasound and computed tomography demonstrated smooth blood flow in the IVC, renal veins, and pulmonary artery. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with residual acute thrombosis on the IVC filter and in whom there was absence of a more appropriate treatment after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy or catheter-directed thrombolysis therapy, the double series IVC filter technique was a safe approach to improve the IVC filter retrieval rate in the early stage, as well as for simultaneous residual thrombus removal.

New advances in management and treatment of cardiac implantable electronic devices infections.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are increasingly used worldwide, and infection of these devices remains one of the most feared complications.CIED infections (CDIs) represent a challenge for physicians and the healthcare system in general as they require prolonged hospitalization and antibiotic treatment and are burdened by high mortality and high costs, so management of CDIs must be multidisciplinary.The exact incidence of CDIs is difficult to define, considering that it is influenced by various factors mainly represented by the implanted device and the type of procedure. Risk factors for CDIs could be divided into three categories: device related, patient related, and procedural related and the etiology is mainly sustained by Gram-positive bacteria; however, other etiologies cannot be underestimated. As a matter of fact, the two cornerstones in the treatment of these infections are device removal and antimicrobial treatment. Finally, therapeutic drug monitoring and PK/PD correlations should be encouraged in all patients with CDIs receiving antibiotic therapy and may result in a better clinical outcome and a reduction in antibiotic resistance and economic costs.In this narrative review, we look at what is new in the management of these difficult-to-treat infections.

Nail-extraction device mismatch: an issue in developing countries intramedullary nail removal practice.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary nail is the gold standard in the management of long bone diaphyseal fractures of tibia and femur. The jig of these nails has corresponding extraction device whose pitch for nail coupling come in various sizes. This unlike plate and screws may be difficult to predict preoperatively and may pose a problem during removal. Difficulties in removal may arise due to the proliferation of nail brands especially in developing countries. The study aims to identify the incidence of extraction device mismatch among orthopaedic surgeons in Nigeria as well as the indications and complications associated with intramedullary nail removal. METHODS: A two-page questionnaire was administered to 87 orthopaedic surgeons attending the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association. The attitudes of the participants towards intramedullary nail were assessed. RESULTS: All participants agree to asymptomatic removal. Patients wish was the leading indication for asymptomatic removal among the participants. Sixty-one percent of the surgeons have had the need to remove a nail different from the brand in the hospital their practice. The commonest indication for symptomatic removal was infections. Forty-seven percent of the participant encountered nail extraction-device mismatch. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of extraction device mismatch may portend a public health issue. There may be need for patient who had intra medullary nail insertion to be told their brand. We advocate for standardization of extraction device pitch for intramedullary nail.

Comparation of the outcomes between ProGlide based post-closure technique and arteriotomy repair for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes between post-closure technique based on ProGlide and arteriotomy repair for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) decannulation in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received VA-ECMO treatment and successfully removed from its support in Changhai Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were included in this study. Patients was divided into post-closure group and surgical repair group according to the artery access closure method used. Clinical data of these patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were eventually enrolled in this study, including 26 (44.83%) patients in post-closure group and 32 (55.17%) patients in surgical repair group. Post-closure group had shorter procedure time, less minor bleeding events, estimated blood loss and packed cells transfused compared with the surgical repair group. The intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay after decannulation and the hospital length of stay after ICU in post-closure group were both shorter than surgical repair group. Nine patients (15.52%) died of multiple system organ failure after decannulation in this cohort and there were no significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the post-closure technique based on ProGlide for VA-ECMO decannulation is feasible, safe and effective.

Timing of Chest Tube Removal Following Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Early chest tube removal following cardiac surgery may be associated with an increased risk of pleural or pericardial effusions following cardiac surgery. This study compares the effects of two fast-track chest tube removal protocols regarding the risk of pleural or pericardial effusions, requirement of opioids, respiratory function, and postoperative complications. DESIGN: Prospective non-blinded cluster-randomized study with alternating chest tube removal protocol in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Monthly changing allocation to scheduled chest tube removal on the day of surgery (Day 0) versus removal on the 1st postoperative day (Day 1) provided no air leakage and output < 200 mL within the last four hours. RESULTS: A total of 527 patients were included in the study from September 1st 2020 until October 29th 2021 and randomly allocated to chest tube removal at day 0 (n = 255), and day 1 (n = 272). More than every fourth patient required drainage for pleural effusion with no significant difference between the groups. Earlier removal of chest tubes did not reduce requirement of analgesics, improve early respiratory function, or reduce postoperative complications. The study was halted for futility after halfway interim analysis showed insufficient promise of any treatment benefit. CONCLUSION: Fast-track protocols with chest tube removal within the first 24 h after cardiac surgery may be associated a high rate of pleural effusions.

Success and safety of deep sedation as a primary anaesthetic approach for transvenous lead extraction: a retrospective analysis.

There is a rising number in complications associated with more cardiac electrical devices implanted (CIED). Infection and lead dysfunction are reasons to perform transvenous lead extraction. An ideal anaesthetic approach has not been described yet. Most centres use general anaesthesia, but there is a lack in studies looking into deep sedation (DS) as an anaesthetic approach. We report our retrospective experience for a large number of procedures performed with deep sedation as a primary approach. Extraction procedures performed between 2011 and 2018 in our electrophysiology laboratory have been included retrospectively. We began by applying a bolus injection of piritramide followed by midazolam as primary medication and would add etomidate if necessary. For extraction of leads a stepwise approach with careful traction, locking stylets, dilator sheaths, mechanical rotating sheaths and if needed snares and baskets has been used. A total of 780 leads in 463 patients (age 69.9 ± 12.3, 31.3% female) were extracted. Deep sedation was successful in 97.8% of patients. Piritramide was used as the main analgesic medication (98.5%) and midazolam as the main sedative (94.2%). Additional etomidate was administered in 15.1% of cases. In 2.2% of patients a conversion to general anaesthesia was required as adequate level of DS was not achieved before starting the procedure. Sedation related complications occurred in 1.1% (n = 5) of patients without sequalae. Deep sedation with piritramide, midazolam and if needed additional etomidate is a safe and feasible strategy for transvenous lead extraction.

Transvenous lead extraction: Experience of the Tandem approach.

AIMS: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is important in the management of cardiac implantable electronic devices but carries risk. It is most commonly completed from the superior access, often with 'bail-out' support via the femoral approach. Superior and inferior access may be used in tandem, which has been proposed as an advance in safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tandem approach. METHOD: The 'Tandem' procedure entailed grasping of the targeted lead in the right atrium to provide countertraction as a rotational dissecting sheath was advanced over the lead from the subclavian access. Consecutive 'Tandem' procedures performed by a single operator between December 2020 and March 2023 in a single large-volume TLE centre were included and compared with the conventional superior approach (control) using 1:1 propensity score matching; patients were statistically matched for demographics. RESULTS: The Tandem in comparison with the conventional approach extracted leads of much greater dwell time (148.9 ± 79 vs. 108.6 ± 77 months, P < 0.01) in a shorter procedure duration (96 ± 36 vs. 127 ± 67 min, P < 0.01) but requiring more fluoroscopy (16.4 ± 10.9 vs. 10.8 ± 14.9 min, P < 0.01). The Tandem and control groups had similar clinical (100% vs. 94.7%, P = 0.07) and complete (94.8% vs. 92.8%, P = 0.42) success, with comparable minor (4% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.72) and major (0% vs. 4%, P = 0.25) complications; procedural (0% vs. 1.3%, P = 1) and 30-day (1.3% vs. 4%, P = 0.62) mortality were also similar. CONCLUSION: The Tandem procedure is as safe and effective as the conventional TLE. It can be applied to leads of a long dwell time with a potentially shorter procedure duration.