A Novel “Trouserslike” Technique for the Extraction of 22-Year-Old Pacemaker Leads

Abstract

Cardiac management devices have become an integral part of our armament for treatment of heart diseases. However, complications may arise that mandate extraction of either the device or the lead. The noninterventional lead extraction has become a topic of avid debate as simple traction is associated with low success rates whereas laser-assisted extraction carries a high economic cost. Herein we present a case of 22-year-old pacemaker leads extracted with a novel “trouserslike technique” that could present an attractive alternative for leads implanted for more than 10 years when laser sheaths are not accessible. © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeon