Successful transjugular extraction of a lead in front of the anterior scalene muscle by using snare technique

J Arrhythm. 2015 Aug;31(4):249-51. doi: 10.1016/j.joa.2014.12.002. Epub 2015 Jan 17.

Abstract

The incidence of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection is increasing. We report a case of and successful device removal in a 79-year-old man with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator infection. Right phrenic nerve paralysis was evident on chest radiography. The lead was in front of the anterior scalene muscle, close to the left phrenic nerve. Therefore, extraction carried a risk of bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis. The lead was successfully extracted from the right internal jugular vein by using the snare technique. No complications occurred, and the extraction was successful.

Keywords: Lead extraction; Phrenic nerve paralysis; Snare technique.