Percutaneous lead extraction and venous recanalisation using spectranetics tight rail: A single centre experience

AIMS: Despite advances in lead extraction tools, percutaneous lead extraction remains a complex procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Moreover, no standards or directives exist to guide physicians in the choice of their extraction tool or approach and all operators tend to have their own preferred method. The reporting of outcomes with existing and newly emerging extraction technology is therefore encouraged. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four lead extraction procedures using the new spectranetics tight rail rotating dilator sheath are described here. All patients (n = 3) had chronically implanted leads (mean duration = 11.7 years) and the pre-procedure venogram showed occluded left subclavian and brachiocephalic veins with extensive collateralisation. All leads were extracted successfully using this newly designed rotating dilator sheath and vascular access was also retained by venous recanalisation using this kit. One patient required a second extraction procedure at four weeks due to diaphragmatic twitch without macroscopic coronary sinus (CS) lead displacement. This was replaced with a transseptal LV lead. There were no other procedure related complications and all patients remained well with good lead parameters at three months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of this new tight rail extraction tool appears safe and effective in chronically implanted leads. Moreover, it helps to preserve the vascular access by recanalisation of long tortuous occlusions. Its use across various centres and larger number of patients will be required to confirm our results.