Lead Extraction

Why might I need a lead extraction?

Leads usually stay in the body permanently, but you may need to have them removed in certain cases. Your healthcare provider will only perform lead extraction if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Device infection is the most common reason for lead extraction. This is often necessary if any part of the pacemaker or ICD becomes infected. It is likely impossible to get rid of the infection without doing this. The pulse generator and all the leads must be removed. Infection of a heart valve may also require generator and lead extraction.

Broken leads are another major reason for lead extraction. This might happen when there is a break in the wire, for example. Broken leads may not need to be removed. Sometimes, a surgeon can leave the broken lead inside the heart and place a new lead beside it. But this may not always be possible because space may be limited. Even if there is space available for the new lead, people sometimes have the lead removed. For example, a young person who would probably need more leads in the future may choose to have a broken lead removed. That's because lead removal is more difficult to do later. Lead removal may also be done if you may need MRI at a later date. Abandoned leads would prevent you from getting the MRI.

Some people get a pacemaker, but later need an ICD. In such cases, one of the pacemaker leads is often removed and a new ICD lead is placed. This is done because pacemaker leads are unable to deliver a shock, so an ICD lead is needed.

There are a number of other reasons for lead extraction, but they are less common. These include:

• Dangerous or malfunctioning leads such as a protruding wire
• Recall on a specific pacemaker or ICD lead
• Clot formation on a lead that obstructs a vein
• Retained lead triggering abnormal heart rhythms or other complications
• An upgrade to a newer system that is MRI compatible

What are the risks of lead extraction?

Lead removal is successful in most people, but it is a complex procedure with risks. It has some real risks that will be reviewed with you in detail. There is a chance of puncturing the heart or tearing a surrounding blood vessel. This can cause major bleeding in the chest. This might require blood transfusion or immediate open-heart surgery. Other possible problems include:

• Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Stroke
• Damage to the heart valve on the right side of the heart, causing it to leak
• Complications from anesthesia
• Fluid accumulation around the heart or lung
• Bleeding under the skin
• Swelling of the arm
• Infection
• Fragments of the lead being dislodged
• Death (rare)

Certain factors make complications a little more likely. These include: being female; having a small body size; and having chronic kidney disease. Leads that are older, or hardened (calcified) or if you need more than 1 lead removed, can also raise your risk for complications. Your specific risks will depend on your specific health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns before your lead extraction.

How do I get ready for a lead extraction?

Talk with your healthcare provider about what you should do to prepare for your lead extraction. Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before the procedure.

Often this is before midnight of the day of your procedure. Follow instructions about what medicines to take before the procedure. Don’t stop taking any medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. If you take medicines that affect your blood's ability to clot (blood thinners), you may need to stop taking them before the procedure. Talk with your healthcare provider about what medicines you should and should not take and when to stop taking them.

You may also have some tests before your procedure. These might include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG), to analyze the heart rhythm
• Echocardiography (echo), to evaluate heart anatomy and function
• Venogram, to evaluate vein anatomy surrounding the device
• Blood tests, to establish a baseline before the procedure

Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant before having the procedure. The imaging used during the procedure uses radiation, which may be a risk to the fetus. If you are a woman of childbearing age, your healthcare provider may want you to have a pregnancy test to make sure you aren’t pregnant.

If needed, the skin above the area of operation (in your groin or shoulder) may need to be shaved.

What happens during a lead extraction?

The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours. A cardiologist and a special team of nurses and technicians will do the extraction. Generally, during the procedure:

• You will be given anesthesia before the procedure starts. Often times, general anesthesia is used. This will help you sleep deeply and painlessly through the procedure. Afterwards, you won’t remember it.
• An IV line is placed in the arm and possibly in the groin area.
• A transesophageal ultrasound probe may be placed in the esophagus. This allows real time visualization of the heart and surrounding structures.
• An incision is made over the device and the device is removed
• Next, the leads are removed from the heart using the sheath inserted through the blood vessel. A variety of methods and tools can be used depending on your specific situation.
• The team will carefully monitor you throughout the procedure. If complications arise, you may need to have immediate open heart surgery.
• The team will remove the leads and sheath through the blood vessel. In some cases, they also might place new leads at this time.
• The team will close and bandage the site where the sheath was inserted.

What happens after a lead extraction?

In the hospital after the procedure:

• You will spend several hours in a recovery room.
• The team will monitor your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing. They will also monitor your heart rhythm.
• If the extraction involved using a vein in your leg, you will need to lie flat for several hours after the procedure. You should not bend your legs. This will help prevent bleeding.
• You may receive pain medicine if you need it.
• Time in the hospital varies, but you will likely spend at least one night.
• You will need a follow-up chest X-ray to check your heart and lungs after the procedure and check to make sure that any new leads placed are in the right position.

At home after the procedure:

• You will probably be able to return to light activity relatively soon.
• You may have stitches (sutures) that will need to be removed after the procedure. Talk with your healthcare provider about when these should be removed.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have increased swelling, increased bleeding or drainage, or a fever.

After you leave the hospital, it is important to follow all the instructions your healthcare provider gives you for medicines, exercise, diet, and wound care. Be sure to keep all your follow-up appointments.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure, make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure
• The reason you are having the test or procedure
• What results to expect and what they mean
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
• What the possible side effects or complications are
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
• What would  happen if you did not have the test or procedure
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
• When and how you will get the results
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure