Abstract

Aims: to study complications which may occur after lead extraction using mechanical extraction tools and snares, to find the way to lower complication rate. Materials and methods: In this study we evaluated complication rate between 115 patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction in our clinic from Jun 2011 till Dec 2015. In this group 64 (55.65%) were women. 178 leads were extracted (1.62 mean), the mean dwelling time was 102.32 ± 70.67 months. The main indication was pocket or lead infection (80.87%). Other indications indications for lead removal were mechanical. 10 (8.70%) complications were observed, including 4 major complications (3.48%), 6 (5.2%) minor complications. Two deaths, apparently not related to the extraction procedure, were observed in patients with persistent systemic infection and multiple organ failure. Taking into consideration the learning curve, it is marked that after a surgeon carries out 60 procedures, the complications rate significantly decreases. The mean complication rate (both major and minor complications) of first 60 procedures is 16.67% and 1.81% after 60 procedures in this group. The study comprised cases, where mechanical extraction tools and snares were required. Patients with simple traction lead removal were excluded from this study. Conclusion: Lead extraction is complex procedure required experience and special tools. Сomplication rate may overcome 10%, but will reduce afterwards with surgeons' gaining of experience. No procedure-related mortality occured.

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