Successful laser-assisted removal of an infected ICD lead with a large vegetation

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2006 Aug;29(8):910-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2006.00459.x.

Abstract

Infective endocarditis involving transvenous pacing leads is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Complete removal of the device and the leads is presently considered to be the optimal treatment in such patients and laser-assisted lead removal is an effective and safe nonthoracotomy approach. However, large vegetations (>10 mm) attached to the lead limit nonthoracotomy explantation because of the potential for hemodynamically embarrassing pulmonary embolization. Laser extraction of leads with vegetation area >300 mm2 has rarely been reported. In this case report, we describe a patient with an infected ICD lead with vegetation greater than 41 x 12.5 mm (512 mm2) in size that was explanted with laser-assistance. The resulting pulmonary embolus produced a 33 x 20 mm pulmonary infarction without hemodynamic or respiratory compromise.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
  • Device Removal / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects*
  • Endocarditis / etiology*
  • Endocarditis / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / etiology*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*