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When Is a Lead Extraction Needed?

A pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) deliver energy to the heart muscle through wires called leads. A lead extraction is the removal of one or more leads from inside the heart.

Leads that are placed outside the heart during open heart surgery cannot be removed during this type of procedure.

When Is a Lead Extraction Needed?

This procedure is needed when your leads are not working properly. This can be caused by:

• Damage to the inside (called a fracture) or outside of the lead.
• Large amounts of scar tissue form at the tip of the lead, causing it to need more energy to function than your pacemaker or ICD can deliver. This condition is known as "exit block."
• Infection at the site of the device and lead implant.

How Do I Prepare For a Lead Extraction

To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Ask your doctor what medications you are allowed to take. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs one to five days before your test. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how you should adjust your medications.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your test. If you must take medications, drink only with a sip of water.
• When you come to the hospital, wear comfortable clothes. You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure. Leave all jewelry or valuables at home.
• You will need to stay in the hospital overnight. Bring items with you (such as robe, slippers, and toothbrush) that may make your stay more comfortable. When you are able to return home, arrange for a companion to drive you home.

What to Expect During a Lead Extraction:

A lead extraction procedure takes about two to six hours to perform.

• You will be given a hospital gown to wear.
• You will lie on a bed and the nurse will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm so that medications and fluids can be given during the procedure.
• Your chest and groin area will both be shaved and cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Sterile drapes are used to cover you from your neck to your feet to prevent infection. It is important that you keep your arms and hands down at your sides and not disturb the drapes. A soft strap will be placed across your waist and arms to prevent your hands from coming in to contact with the sterile field.
• The nurse will connect you to several monitors.
• You may feel nervous. You will be given a drug through your IV that will make you sleep throughout most of the procedure. Your doctor and nurse will be with you and if you are uncomfortable or need anything during the procedure, let your nurse know.
• The lead extraction can be performed through one of two sites:
• Subclavian vein (in the upper chest) -- most frequently used. An incision is made in the upper chest over the subclavian vein.
• Femoral vein (in the groin) -- used when the subclavian approach cannot be performed. A small puncture (instead of an incision) is made in the groin over the femoral vein.
• The doctor will numb the site. A sheath (plastic, hollow tube) is placed in the vein and guided to the tip of the lead (where the lead attaches to the heart). The sheath helps to hold the heart muscle in place while removing the lead.
• A laser or special electrosurgical sheath is used to deliver energy to remove scar tissue from the lead. You will be in a light sleep during this part of the procedure. You may feel the pulling as the leads are removed, but you should not feel pain.
• New leads may be implanted (placed in your heart) during this procedure or at a later date. This will depend on the reason your current leads are being removed. Discuss this with your doctor.