Implantation of a Leadless Pacemaker after Incomplete Transvenous Lead Extraction in a 90-Year-Old Pacemaker-Dependent Patient

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 23;19(10):6313. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19106313.

Abstract

Transluminal lead extraction (TLE) is a well-established procedure for the removal of damaged or infected pacing systems. Despite its high efficacy, the procedure is associated with significant risks, some of which may contribute to severe life-threatening complications. Herein, we present the case of a 90-year-old female who was 100% pacemaker-dependent (PM-dependent) and had ventricular lead fragmentation after the TLE procedure. In this elderly patient, after taking into account the whole clinical context-age, frailty syndrome, infection, and high peri- and postprocedural risks-we decided on MICRA VR implantation as well as leaving the remains of the ventricular lead in the right heart chambers. A Leadless pacemaker (LP) is an excellent alternative to PM-dependent individuals, in whom implantation of permanent transvenous PM is precluded due to multiple infectious and non-infectious issues.

Keywords: MICRA VR; leadless pacemaker; transluminal lead extraction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Frail Elderly*
  • Humans
  • Lead
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*

Substances

  • Lead

Grants and funding

This research received no external founding.