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Predictors of success and complications in laser lead extraction


 
 
 Type of funding sources: None.
 
 
 
 Extraction of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) leads using excimer laser is in use since > 20 years, but the predictors of success, all-cause complications and mortality are not yet sufficiently statistically evaluated. 
 
 
 
 All consecutive laser extractions performed at our institution between September 2011 and March 2020 with lead age > 12 months were included and retrospectively analysed.
 Results
 792 leads (mean age 75 months) were extracted during 335 procedures. The indication for extraction was pocket infection in 59%, CIED endocarditis in 25%, lead dysfunction or upgrade in 14% and others in 2%.
 94.6% of leads were extracted complete, 4.2% partial (< 4 cm rest) and the extraction failed in 1.3% of the leads (retention of ≥ 4 cm rest).
 Multivariable analysis identified lead age > 7.5 years (odds ratio [OR] 6.5; p = 0.0281), broken leads (OR 28.0; p = 0.0009) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads (OR 6.5; p = 0.0010) as independent predictors of failed extraction. CIED-endocarditis was independently associated with complete extraction (OR 3.3; p = 0.0218).
 Complete procedural success or clinical success was achieved in 330 of 335 procedures (98.6%). The lead extraction failed in five cases (1.5%). Major procedure-associated adverse events (injuries of the great vessels or heart) occurred in four cases (1.2%). Two patients died perioperatively (0.6%). Minor complications occurred in 13 cases (3.9%).
 Major adverse events (MAE) causally not related to the procedure occurred in 18 (5.4%) of the patients. The most frequent MAE was postoperative aggravation of the sepsis (10 patients; 3.0%).  Independent predictors of major adverse events were CIED-endocarditis (OR 6.0; p = 0.0175), preoperative C-reactive-protein (CRP) > 35 mg/l (OR 3.8; p = 0.0412) and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 5.0; p = 0.0489).
 Ten patients (3%) died during the hospital stay.  CIED-endocarditis with preoperative CRP > 35 mg/l was independently associated with hospital mortality in multivariable analysis (OR 10.7; p = 0.0020). The Kaplan-Meyer analysis of 30-day mortality showed a significantly worse survival of patients with endocarditis (Log-Rank p = 0.0102).
 
 
 
 Leads > 7.5 years, broken leads and ICD leads are independent predictors of failed extraction. CIED endocarditis, CRP > 35 and BMI ≥ 25 are associated with MAE. CIED endocarditis is related to higher short-term mortality despite successful lead extraction. Abstract Figure. Predictors of major adverse events
