Kosin Med J.  2018 Dec;33(3):396-401. 10.7180/kmj.2018.33.3.396.

Successful Removal of 15-year-old Pacemaker Leads by Weight and pulley method

• Kim HW
• Shin HC
• Jin HY
• Seo JS
• Jang JS
• Yang TH
• Kim DK
• Kim DS

• KMID: 2442551
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.2018.33.3.396

Abstract

Extraction of old pacemaker leads remains a complex procedure owing to fibrotic encapsulation and lead adhesions. We report a case of extraction of 15-year-old pacemaker leads by weight and pulley method. A 81-year-old man presented with exposed pacemaker leads out of body with purulent discharge from a pacemaker insertion site. He inserted DDD (dual chamber pacing, dual chamber sensing dual function) pacemaker implantation 15 years ago for SSS. Previously pacemaker battery was removed 3 years ago due to recurrent infection of pacemaker scar site. We extracted the pacemaker leads by weight and pulley method successfully without any complications.

Keyword

Extraction; Pacemaker

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Aged, 80 and over
Cicatrix
Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
Humans
Methods*
Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane

Figure

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  Fig. 1 exposed pacemaker leads out of his body with purulent discharge from a insertion site in the left pectoral area

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  Fig. 2 Chest x-ray at admisstion and post extracted lead. (A) initial chest x-ray. atrial and ventricular lead was placed correctly, but opposite leads were exosed out of body. (B) After atrial and ventricular leads was applied weight pully method, the leads were extracted.

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  Fig. 3 Electrocardiogram recorded sinus rhythm with no ST-change, a heart rate 70 bpm at admission

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  Fig. 4 Weight pully method. (A) ventricular lead tip was extracted by forcep (B) The force applied during ventricular lead extraction was 1 Ib. The person on strict bed rest must remain in bed at all times.

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  Fig. 5 The extreaced leads. (A) ventricular lead (B) atrial lead

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