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Article

Lead Break during Extraction: Predisposing Factors and Impact on Procedure Complexity and Outcome: Analysis of 3825 Procedures

by
Andrzej Kutarski
1,
Wojciech Jacheć
2,
Marek Czajkowski
3,
Paweł Stefańczyk
4,
Jarosław Kosior
5,
Łukasz Tułecki
6 and
Dorota Nowosielecka
4,6,*
1
Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
2
2nd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
3
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
4
Department of Cardiology, The Pope John Paul II Province Hospital of Zamosc, 22-400 Zamosc, Poland
5
Department of Cardiology, Masovian Specialistic Hospital of Radom, 26-617 Radom, Poland
6
Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Pope John Paul II Province Hospital of Zamosc, 22-400 Zamosc, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2349; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082349
Submission received: 10 March 2024 / Revised: 27 March 2024 / Accepted: 8 April 2024 / Published: 18 April 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transvenous Lead Extraction - Progress in Lead Management)

Abstract

:
Background: Currently, there are no reports describing lead break (LB) during transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 3825 consecutive TLEs using mechanical sheaths. Results: Fracture of the lead, defined as LB, with a long lead fragment (LF) occurred in 2.48%, LB with a short LF in 1.20%, LB with the tip of the lead in 1.78%, and LB with loss of a free-floating LF in 0.57% of cases. In total, extractions with LB occurred in 6.04% of the cases studied. In cases in which the lead remnant comprises more than the tip only, there was a 50.31% chance of removing the lead fragment in its entirety and an 18.41% chance of significantly reducing its length (to less than 4 cm). Risk factors for LB are similar to those for major complications and increased procedure complexity, including long lead dwell time [OR = 1.018], a higher LV ejection fraction, multiple previous CIED-related procedures, and the extraction of passive fixation leads. The LECOM and LED scores also exhibit a high predictive value. All forms of LB were associated with increased procedure complexity and major complications (9.96 vs. 1.53%). There was no incidence of procedure-related death among such patients, and LB did not affect the survival statistics after TLE. Conclusions: LB during TLE occurs in 6.04% of procedures, and this predictable difficulty increases procedure complexity and the risk of major complications. Thus, the possibility of LB should be taken into account when planning the lead extraction strategy and its associated training.

1. Introduction

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) plays a key role in lead management and is highly effective and safe, provided that all available safety measures are implemented [1,2,3]. Its goal is to remove all targeted leads in their entirety, with a minimal risk of any permanently disabling complication or procedure-related death [1,2,3]. Lead break (LB) during extraction is not a rare complication (approximated to 1.2–12%, with a simple average of 6.6%) [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18], but only a few papers [19,20] and case reports describe how to manage broken leads [21,22,23]. Immediately after the rupture of the lead being extracted, only the tip of the lead may remain in the heart wall; a short (<4 cm) fragment may remain, with the tip in its original place; a long fragment (>4 cm) may remain, with the tip in its primary place; or a free-floating lead fragment (without connection to the heart wall and usually wandering within the blood stream) can be lost. There are surprisingly numerous case reports investigating the dislodgement of broken lead fragments into the pulmonary circulation, as well as the methods of their removal [24,25,26]. The broken lead fragment should be removed, if possible [1,2,3,7,18], because it can be a source of persistent or recurrent infection after a new system implantation [1,2,3,7,18]. Sometimes, the distal portion of the broken lead cannot be grasped with advanced tools, as it is surrounded by scar tissue. According to the current recommendations [1,2,3], abandonment of any fragment of the targeted lead precludes procedural success, but if the fragment is shorter than 4 cm (or it is just the tip of the lead), the procedure can be regarded as clinically successful in non-infectious cases.
To the best of our knowledge, no one has yet described in detail the scenario of lead break during extraction, the method and effectiveness of its management, or the impact of lead fracture on the level of TLE complexity and the occurrence of complications. Possessing a database of 3825 TLEs, we decided to investigate these problems.

1.1. Goal of the Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lead break during extraction, along with the method and effectiveness of its management, as well as the impact of this event on the occurrence of TLE complications and long-term patient survival.

1.2. Novel Elements

The goal of transvenous lead extraction is the removal of all targeted leads, without bodily harm and without procedure-related death. Regardless of the technique, there are situations in which fragments of broken leads remain in the cardiovascular system. This is referred to as the lack of procedural success (unless the cause was permanent bodily injury or procedure-related death). So far, no one has described the incidence of lead fracture during extraction, along with the method and effectiveness of its management, as well as its impact on the occurrence of extraction complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report addressing this important problem.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Population

All transvenous lead extraction procedures were performed between March 2006 and February 2023. The study population consisted of 3825 patients (38.01% females) aged 5–99 years, with an average age of 66.04 years.

2.2. Lead Extraction Procedure

Indications for TLE, procedure effectiveness, and possible complications were defined according to the recent recommendations (2009 and 2017 HRS consensus and 2018 EHRA guidelines) [1,2,3].

2.2.1. Procedure Complexity

Procedure complexity was expressed as the extraction time of all leads (sheath-to-sheath time) and the average time of single lead extraction (sheath-to-sheath/number of extracted leads), as well as indicating the use of second line and advanced tools [27,28,29,30].

2.2.2. Unexpected Technical Problems during TLE

Unexpected technical problems were defined as situations which increased the level of procedural complexity but were not regarded as complications. They included blockage in the lead implant vein/subclavian region, preventing insertion of a polypropylene catheter in the subclavian vein; Byrd dilator collapse/fracture; lead-to-lead adhesion; the need to use an alternative approach; the loss of a broken lead fragment, when the main portion of the lead was dissected and removed, but both ends remained free; free-floating lead fragments, usually migrating into the pulmonary vascular bed; and the dislodgement of functional leads [27].

2.2.3. Procedure Information

A standard stepwise approach, as previously described in Refs. [20,27], was used with all patients.

2.2.4. Definition of Lead Break during Extraction

Lead break (LB) during extraction was defined as the fracture of all lead components, resulting in the formation of two separate parts (proximal and distal portions or proximal part and lead tip).
First, the fracture of the lead at the time of occurrence was classified as: 1. LB with a long (>4 cm) lead fragment; 2. LB with a short lead fragment (<4 cm); 3. LB with the tip of the lead only; 4. LB with loss of a free-floating lead fragment or lead tip. We invented this classification because all of the four types of lead breaks differ in regards to possible adverse clinical consequences, as well as the options and techniques used when trying to remove the remnants.
Second, the outcomes of the procedure (including broken lead management) were assessed as complete success (removal of the lead fragment in its entirety), partial success (reducing the length of the lead portion to <4 cm, or leaving in place an irremovable remnant < 4 cm, or leaving the lead tip only), or a lack of radiographic success (leaving an irremovable remnant > 4 cm, or leaving the entire lead, i.e., materials which were initially selected for removal).

2.2.5. Extraction of Distal Fragments of the Broken Lead

We always tried to remove the broken lead, unless the broken remnant comprised just the tip of the lead. Depending on the location of the proximal end of the lead remnant, we attempted to grasp it with a lasso or basket catheter, using the implant vein access site, or using the subclavian approach, accessed by removing the other lead. Jugular or femoral approaches were used less frequently. After firmly grasping the proximal fragment of the broken lead, the lasso or basket catheter served as an extension of the broken lead, and we continued lead dilatation until the lead was removed. If it was unavailable, we recognized either partial radiographic success or the lack of radiographic success, resulting in no procedural success, depending on the length of the remaining lead [20,23]. Laser sheaths were not used.
Over the last 17 years, the extraction procedure has evolved from procedures performed in the electrophysiology laboratory, using intravenous analgesia/sedation, to procedures conducted in the hybrid room, employing general anesthesia [31].

2.3. Dataset and Statistical Methods

2.3.1. Creation of Patient Subgroups for Analysis

The 3825 extraction procedures were divided into the following subgroups: 1. lead break with a long fragment (>4 cm): 95 procedures; 2. lead break with a short fragment (<4 cm): 46 procedures; 3. lead break including breakage of the tip of the lead only: 68 procedures; 4. lead break with loss of a free-floating fragment: 22 procedures; 5. all extractions with lead break (231, the sum of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4); 6. control group, all extractions without LB: 3594 procedures.
Subgroups 1–5 were compared with the control group to identify patient-, device- and procedure-dependent risk factors for lead break.
Next, we analyzed the outcomes of lead break management, defined as successful remnant removal; repeated fracture, with the lead fragment removed in its entirety; reduced length of the lead portion, with the retained fragment < 4 cm; failed remnant removal, with the retained fragment > 4 cm; unsuccessful attempt to grasp the fragment; no attempt made to grasp the fragment (no chances of success); lead remnant removal during emergency cardiac surgery; or procedure aborted due to major complications and ultimately, death of the patient.

2.3.2. Statistical Analysis

All continuous variables are presented as means ± standard deviation. The categorical variables are presented as counts and percentages.
The significance of between-group differences was determined using the non-parametric Chi2 test, with the Yates correction, or the unpaired Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of LB during extraction. The variables achieving p < 0.05 were entered into the multivariable model. Two multivariable models were built: one for clinical and CIED-related variables and one for risk scores of TLE (procedure complexity or occurrence of major complications). The Kaplan–Meyer survival curves were plotted for the patients divided into groups, depending on the type of the broken lead. Differences between curves were tested using the log-rank test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 (TIBCO Software Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA).

2.4. Approval of the Bioethics Committee

All patients gave their informed written consent to undergo TLE and to use anonymous data from their medical records, as approved by the Bioethics Committee at the Regional Chamber of Physicians in Lublin no. 288/2018/KB/VII. The study was carried out in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

3. Results

As for the potential patient-related risk factors, younger patient age at first CIED implantation and during TLE, a higher ejection fraction, and a lower Charlson co-morbidity index were significant predictors of lead break during extraction. However, patient gender, type of underlying heart disease, and degree of heart failure had no association with the fracture of the removed lead. It can be assumed that lead break during removal was not related to the type of indications for TLE, except in the case of mechanical lead failure, for which there may be some link (Table 1).
The risk factors for increased procedure complexity [27], i.e., implant duration, abandoned leads, unnecessary (large) lead loops in the heart, the number of leads before TLE, leads on both sides of the chest, and the number of CIED-related procedures before lead extraction, were found to have a significant impact on the chance of breaking the targeted lead, and therefore, these can be considered as the risk factors for lead break during extraction.
The middle panel of Table 2 summarizes the risk scores for the identification of major complications or increased procedure complexity and their value in predicting lead break during extraction. Higher SAFeTY scores [32], MB scores [29], and LED index [28] indicated an increased risk of lead break, but the recently described LECOM score [27] appeared to be the most valuable indicator. Calculators such as the EROS score [33] and the Advanced TLE score [30] were of little value in predicting the risk of lead break.
The lower panel of Table 2 shows potential procedure-related risk factors for major complications and increased procedure complexity, indicating that the number of extracted leads per patient, the extraction of abandoned leads, the extraction of unipolar leads, passive fixation leads, leads with abnormal loop in the heart, and leads with long dwell times are also procedure-dependent risk factors for lead break during extraction.
We compared procedure complexity in patients with lead break and in the control group and found that all indicators of increased procedure complexity, such as lead extraction time and overall number of unexpected procedure difficulties, referred to as technical problems, were significantly higher in patients with LB during extraction. The need to use additional tools (Evolution (old and new) or TightRail, metal sheaths, lasso catheters/snares, basket catheters) and techniques (need to change or use an additional venous approach) was also significantly more common in patients with LB during extraction. All indicators were included simultaneously in the retrospective TLE combined difficulty score (lead dilatation time and the use of second-line tools, advanced tools, and advanced techniques). The values of this score were significantly higher in patients with lead break (Table 3).
In summary, each type of lead break (with a long or short lead remnant, of break of only the tip of the lead, or free-floating lead fragments) is associated with a high level of procedure complexity, which is not always due to attempted remnant removal, as is the case with leaving in place the tip of the lead.
TLE-related major difficulties, such as any major complication, hemopericardium, severe tricuspid valve damage, and the need for rescue cardiac surgery, were significantly more frequent in patients with different forms of lead break (except for a rare complication, such as a hemothorax). However, despite the complications, there was no procedure-related death (intra-, post-procedural) in the LB subgroups. On the other hand, the need to leave in place non-removable lead fragments (especially in patients with infections), and more frequent damage to the tricuspid valve resulted in a significantly lower percentage of clinical and procedural successes. However, on the other hand, the one-year patient mortality and that for the entire follow-up period were similar in all the subgroups as compared to that of the control group. Therefore, it can be assumed that the mere fact of LB does not impact the length of survival after TLE (Table 4, Figure 1).
Table 5 presents the management of LB and its effectiveness in five patient subgroups. Long lead fragments (>4 cm) were removed entirely in 66.32% of cases, the remnant length was reduced to less than 4 cm in 27.37% of cases (due to subsequent break of the lead), and the attempted retrieval of lead fragments was unsuccessful in only 3.16% of cases; thus, the remnant was left in place. Short lead remnants (<4 cm) were successfully grasped and removed in 8.70% of cases, and their length was reduced in 2.17% of cases. An attempt to grasp the lead fragment was unsuccessful in 21.74% of cases, and in most cases (63.04%), there was no chance to grasp it, and no attempt was made to retrieve the fragment.
In all cases of loss of a free-floating lead fragment, an attempt to retrieve the lost fragment was made. It was most frequently grasped in the pulmonary vein, rarely in the brachiocephalic vein or superior vena cava, and even in the liver vein. Retrieval was successful in 68.18% and only partially successful in 13.64% of cases.
Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 present examples of different options for broken lead management: removal of the broken long lead fragment using a combined approach, with removed fragment dilatation (Figure 2), removal of the broken long lead fragment from the left brachiocephalic vein using the femoral approach (Figure 3), removal of the broken long lead fragment from a branch of the pulmonary artery using extracted lead venous access (Figure 4), and removal of the broken free-floating short lead fragment from the right atrial space using the superior approach) (Figure 5).
In summary, it can be stated that in most cases of lead break during extraction, it is possible to remove the lead remnant in its entirety; in a certain percentage of cases, as a result of subsequent breaks, the size of the remnant can be reduced (<4 cm); and rarely, the remnant remains irretrievable. Thus, lead break has a greater impact on procedure complexity than on the lack of complete radiographic success.
As was shown in Table 6, a larger number of lead dwell times [OR = 1.018, p = 0.006], a higher left ventricular ejection fraction [OR = 1.014, p = 0.013], a larger number of previous CIED-related procedures [OR = 1.187, p = 0.016], and the extraction of passive fixation leads [OR = 6.354, p < 0.001] were the predictors of LB during extraction. Older patient age at first system implantation decreased the risk of lead break during extraction [OR = 0.971, p < 0.001].
Multivariable regression analysis revealed that LECOM [OR = 1.019, p < 0.001] and LED scales [OR = 1.058, p < 0.001] (both used for prediction of TLE complexity) had the highest predictive value (Table 7).

4. Results Summary

Lead break during TLE occurs in approximately 6% of TLE procedures and appears to be a predictable event. A larger sum of lead dwell times, a higher left ventricular ejection fraction, a larger number of previous CIED-related procedures, and the extraction of passive fixation leads were the strongest predictors of lead break during TLE. Some scores (LED index and LECOM score) can predict an increased risk of lead break.
All forms of lead break are associated with increased procedure complexity, expressed as lead extraction time and number of unexpected procedure difficulties (technical problems), as well as the necessity of using additional tools and advanced techniques. Patients with lead breaks were significantly more likely to have major complications of TLE; nevertheless, there were no procedure-related deaths (intra-, post-procedural) in these patients, and LB did not affect the length of survival after TLE.
In most patients with lead break during extraction, it is possible to remove the lead remnant in its entirety; in a certain percentage of cases, as a result of subsequent breaks, the size of the remnant can be reduced to <4 cm; and rarely, the remnant remains irretrievable. Thus, lead break has a greater impact on the complexity of the procedure than on the lack of complete radiographic success.

5. Discussion

Many reports on TLE effectiveness do not provide data on the incidence of lead fragments left in place. The investigators provide rates of procedural success (lead removal without partial residue of lead materials, in the absence of permanently disabling complication or procedure-related death) and rates of procedure-related deaths. Taking into account the small percentage of tricuspid valve damage, stroke, etc., the rate of incomplete lead removal can be approximated to 1.2–12%, with the simple average being 6.6%. The rate of no radiographic success does not seem to depend on the use of first-line tools. For conventional techniques using non-powered polypropylene sheaths, the rate is 12–13%, and the simple average is 6.4% [4,5,6,7,8]; for laser treatment, the rate is 4–11%, with a simple average of 7.0% [9,10,11,12,13]; for mechanical rotational sheaths with a manual drive (Evolution, TightRail), the rate is 4–7%, with a simple average of 5.5% [14,15]; and for the femoral approach technique, the rate is 7–11%, and the simple average 9.0% [16,17].
During the analysis of infectious patients, incomplete lead removal was considered as a risk factor for mortality at a later time. Similarly, incomplete lead removal in infectious patients is considered as a factor precluding clinical success, although the interpretation of this phenomenon differs slightly between the HRS 2017 and EHRA 2018 recommendations [1,2,3,18]. To the best of our knowledge, no one has analyzed lead break and its risk factors in detail, nor described the outcomes of remnant removal.
In the literature, we found only one report of lead damage evealuation, by Morita et al., who described 11 cases of lead damage during lead extraction (“lead break during removal was defined as the lead stretching and becoming misshapen, as assessed by fluoroscopy”), but without breaking the continuity of the metal conductor [34]. It is obvious, however, that in the case of the extraction of leads with a shorter stay in the patient’s body, the procedure is likely to be of low complexity, the risk of major complications is negligible, and selected patients even have a chance of being discharged on the same day [35].
Our analysis of 3825 extraction procedures showed that during TLE, using conventional and rotational mechanical sheaths, the rate of lead break (any form) is as follows: LB with a long fragment, 2.48%; LB with a short fragment, 1.20%; LB with a break of the tip of the lead only, 1.78%; and LB with loss of free broken lead fragments, 0.57%; the rate of all extractions with LB was 6.04%, which is very similar to that quoted in the literature [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18]. But we proved that in patients in whom a lead remnant is equivalent to a lead fragment (more than the tip only), there is a 50.31% chance of removing the remnant in its entirety and an 18.41% chance of significantly reducing its length (to less than 4 cm). It appears that the management of lead break and the removal of broken lead fragments should be part of the training in regards to transvenous lead extraction.

6. Conclusions

  • Lead break during lead extraction occurs in 6.04% of cases, but broken lead fragments can be removed in 35.50% of patients, or the length of these fragments can be significantly reduced in 12.99% of patients.
  • A larger sum of lead dwell times, a higher left ventricular ejection fraction, a higher number of previous CIED-related procedures, and the extraction of passive fixation leads were the strongest predictors of lead break during extraction. Some scores (LED index and LECOM score) predicted an increased risk of lead break.
  • Lead break increases procedure difficulty and complexity, as well as the risk of TLE-related major complications. Thus, the possibility of lead break should be taken into account when planning the removal strategy and training in regards to transvenous lead extraction.

7. Study Limitations

The study has several limitations. It is a three-center study, but the procedures were conducted by of the same first operator. All procedures were performed using various types of mechanical systems, with the exception of laser-powered sheaths. We have not used laser energy catheters in the past, for economic reasons, but also because, with mechanical rotation sheaths at our disposal, we did not feel the need to use more aggressive tools. The main weakness of this study was the use of a unique technique of grasping and removing lead remnants using a re-established lead venous entry approach, devised and used for 17 years, which made it possible to obtain such results.

Author Contributions

A.K.—supervision and original draft editing; W.J.—methodology, statistical study, and writing—review; M.C.—investigation; P.S.—investigation; J.K.—investigation; Ł.T.—investigation; D.N.—investigation, data curation, and corresponding author. The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee at the Regional Chamber of Physicians in Lublin no. 288/2018/KB/VII (approval date: 27 November 2018).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Readers can access the data supporting the conclusions of the study at www.usuwanieelektrod.pl.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Long-term survival in patients with various types of lead break during extraction and in patients in the control group.
Figure 1. Long-term survival in patients with various types of lead break during extraction and in patients in the control group.
Jcm 13 02349 g001
Figure 2. Extraction of an old model passive fixation lead. Due to lack of progress in lead dilatation, an Evolution sheath was used (A). Unfortunately, the lead was broken, but it was possible to dissect its proximal end from scar tissue using a curved catheter and an angiographic guide wire (B). In the next stage, the proximal end of the lead fragment was grasped with a lasso catheter, working inside the CS lead implantation sheath (C). Lead dilatation was continued using a larger polypropylene sheath (D).
Figure 2. Extraction of an old model passive fixation lead. Due to lack of progress in lead dilatation, an Evolution sheath was used (A). Unfortunately, the lead was broken, but it was possible to dissect its proximal end from scar tissue using a curved catheter and an angiographic guide wire (B). In the next stage, the proximal end of the lead fragment was grasped with a lasso catheter, working inside the CS lead implantation sheath (C). Lead dilatation was continued using a larger polypropylene sheath (D).
Jcm 13 02349 g002
Figure 3. VVI pacing system (L) and a permanent hemodialysis catheter (R). Severe venous obstruction (A). Subclavian crush syndrome—trying hard to pass through the lead venous entry. Partial extraction of the targeted lead and signs of its destruction (B). Disaster—break of the lead being extracted; the tip, with the internal conductor, remains. Small chances of successful removal and high risk of blockage in the subclavian vein (C). Successful grasping of the lead fragment via the femoral approach and removal via the femoral vein (D,E). To avoid vein damage, yellow polypropylene sheaths were used to cover the extracted and grasped lead fragment (C,F).
Figure 3. VVI pacing system (L) and a permanent hemodialysis catheter (R). Severe venous obstruction (A). Subclavian crush syndrome—trying hard to pass through the lead venous entry. Partial extraction of the targeted lead and signs of its destruction (B). Disaster—break of the lead being extracted; the tip, with the internal conductor, remains. Small chances of successful removal and high risk of blockage in the subclavian vein (C). Successful grasping of the lead fragment via the femoral approach and removal via the femoral vein (D,E). To avoid vein damage, yellow polypropylene sheaths were used to cover the extracted and grasped lead fragment (C,F).
Jcm 13 02349 g003
Figure 4. BiV (CRT-P without a lead) pacing system—infection. (A) Right ventricular lead extracted (temporary guide wire remained). Problem with the passage of a thin sheath via the brachiocephalic vein. Unintentional extraction of the lead (B). Break of the distal part of the lead, which escaped quickly, with blood, into the pulmonary circulation (right inferior pulmonary artery) (C). Passage to the pulmonary trunk using a catheter intended for implantation of a left ventricular lead, and then insertion of a lasso catheter into the right inferior pulmonary artery to grasp the remnant (C,D). Remnant removed (E).
Figure 4. BiV (CRT-P without a lead) pacing system—infection. (A) Right ventricular lead extracted (temporary guide wire remained). Problem with the passage of a thin sheath via the brachiocephalic vein. Unintentional extraction of the lead (B). Break of the distal part of the lead, which escaped quickly, with blood, into the pulmonary circulation (right inferior pulmonary artery) (C). Passage to the pulmonary trunk using a catheter intended for implantation of a left ventricular lead, and then insertion of a lasso catheter into the right inferior pulmonary artery to grasp the remnant (C,D). Remnant removed (E).
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Figure 5. Removal of a DDD pacing system with an abandoned unipolar lead (A). Unipolar lead stretching, little progress despite using a mechanical rotational (TightRail) sheath (B). Bipolar atrial lead was extracted. Attempted extraction using a polypropylene catheter resulted in fracture of the lead, with dissection of its tip (C), which detached from the lead and “danced” to the right ventricle first (C) and then to the right atrium (D). A dozen or so openings and closings of the lasso catheter made it possible to grasp the “tip” of the lead and hide it in the “mother” catheter (Attain CS sheath) (E). X-ray image does not always reflect the size of the remnant. A fragment of the silicone tube made it possible to grasp the “tip” of the lead (F).
Figure 5. Removal of a DDD pacing system with an abandoned unipolar lead (A). Unipolar lead stretching, little progress despite using a mechanical rotational (TightRail) sheath (B). Bipolar atrial lead was extracted. Attempted extraction using a polypropylene catheter resulted in fracture of the lead, with dissection of its tip (C), which detached from the lead and “danced” to the right ventricle first (C) and then to the right atrium (D). A dozen or so openings and closings of the lasso catheter made it possible to grasp the “tip” of the lead and hide it in the “mother” catheter (Attain CS sheath) (E). X-ray image does not always reflect the size of the remnant. A fragment of the silicone tube made it possible to grasp the “tip” of the lead (F).
Jcm 13 02349 g005
Table 1. Potential patient-related risk factors: characteristics of patient groups and main indications for lead extraction.
Table 1. Potential patient-related risk factors: characteristics of patient groups and main indications for lead extraction.
Patient-Related Predictors of TLE Complexity, Major Complications and Coexisting Indications for TLELead Break with a Long FragmentLead Break with a Short FragmentLead Break of the Tip of the Lead OnlyLead Break with Loss of a Free-Floating FragmentAll Extractions with Lead BreakAll Extractions without Lead Break
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
Group number/number of patients (%)1/95 (2.48)2/46 (1.20)3/68 (1.78)4/22 (0.57)5/231 (6.04)6/3594 (93.96)
Patient age during TLE
(years)
59.29
± 19.36
p < 0.001
56.67
± 21.57
p = 0.001
60.40
± 19.79
p = 0.022
66.09
± 14.03
p = 0.724
59.75
± 19.55
p < 0.001
66.44
± 15.34
Patient age at first system implantation
(years)
43.65
± 20.39
p < 0.001
41.93
± 22.28
p < 0.001
47.74
± 21.35
p < 0.001
50.14
± 17.71
p = 0.015
45.14
± 20.87
p < 0.001
58.14
± 15.34
Female48
(50.53)
p = 0.016
17
(36.96)
p = 0.970
25
(36.76)
p = 0.964
6
(27.27)
p = 0.427
96
(41.56)
p = 0.282
1358
(37.79)
Ischemic heart disease31
(32.63)
p < 0.001
18
(39.13)
p < 0.001
37
(54.41)
p = 785
11
(50.00)
p = 0.669
97
(41.99)
p < 0.001
2042
(56.82)
NYHA FC III or IV 12
(12.63)
p = 0.491
4
(8.70)
p = 0.268
11
(16.18)
p = 0.938
4
(18.18)
p < 0.830
34
(14.72)
p = 0.738
567
(15.78)
LVEF (%)55.14
± 11.98
p < 0.001
55.41
± 10.58
p = 0.003
54.04
± 12.53
p = 0.015
52.59
± 13.49
p = 0.266
54.63
± 11.98
p < 0.001
49.14
± 15.44
Charlson co-morbidity index (points)4.12
± 4.14
p < 0.001
3.04
± 3.11
p < 0.001
3.53
± 3.15
p = 0.003
3.96
± 3.15
p = 0.421
3.71
± 3.59
p < 0.001
4.81
± 3.69
Indications for TLE
Infective endocarditis, with or without pocket infection14
(14.74)
p = 0.125
12
(26.09)
p = 0.608
14
(20.59)
p = 0.978
7
(31.82)
p = 0.385
47
(20.35)
p = 0.651
785
(21.84)
Local (isolated) pocket infection11
(11.58)
p = 0.958
3
(6.52)
p = 0.676
10
(14.71)
p = 0.208
2
(9.09)
p = 0.868
26
(11.26)
p = 0.425
339
(9.43)
Mechanical lead damage (electrical failure)42
(44.21)
p < 0.001
18
(39.13)
p = 0.076
20
(29.41)
p = 0.676
4
(18.18)
p = 0.529
84
(36.36)
p = 0.001
949
(26.41)
Lead dysfunction (exit/entry block, dislodgement, perforation, extracardiac pacing) 11
(11.58)
p = 0.013
8
(17.39)
p = 0.474
13
(19.12)
p = 0.548
3
(13.64)
p = 0.434
35
(15.15)
p = 0.008
825
(22.96)
Change of pacing mode/upgrading, downgrading 5
(5.26)
p = 0.751
0
(0.00)
p = 0.132
2
(2.94)
p = 0.334
0
(0.00)
p = 0.414
7
(3.03)
p = 0.043
238
(6.62)
Other non-infectious indications *12
(12.63)
p = 0.902
5
(10.87)
p = 0.876
9
(13.24)
p = 0.950
6
(27.27)
p = 0.087
32
(13.85)
p = 0.698
458
(12.74)
TLE—transvenous lead extraction, M–W U test—Mann–Whitney U test, LVEF—left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA FC—New York Heart Association functional class. * Abandoned lead/prevention of abandonment (atrial fibrillation, multiple leads), threatening/potentially threatening lead (loops, free end, left heart, lead-derived tricuspid valve defect), other (indications for magnetic resonance imaging, cancer, painful pocket, loss of indications for pacing/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator), and re-established venous access (symptomatic occlusion, superior vena cava syndrome, lead replacement/upgrading).
Table 2. System-, pacing history-, and procedure-related risk factors for major complications and procedure complexity.
Table 2. System-, pacing history-, and procedure-related risk factors for major complications and procedure complexity.
System-Related Risk Factors for TLE Complexity and Major ComplicationsLead Break with a Long FragmentLead Break with a Short FragmentLead Break of the Tip of the Lead OnlyLead Break with Loss of a Free-Floating FragmentAll Extractions, with Lead BreakAll Extractions, without Lead Break
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
Group number/number of patients (%)1/95 (2.48)2/46 (1.20)3/68 (1.78)4/22 (0.57)5/231 (6.04)6/3594 (93.96)
System and history of pacing
Oldest lead before TLE (months)188.8
± 86.14
p < 0.001
177.7
± 85.46
p < 0.001
151.7
± 90.68
p < 0.001
191.7
± 106.0
p < 0.001
176.0
± 90.26
p < 0.001
97.66
± 72.71
Global lead dwell time (years) before TLE29.86
± 17.69
p < 0.001
28.36
± 13.37
p < 0.001
22.76
± 13.00
p < 0.001
35.51
± 21.89
p < 0.001
28.01
± 16.46
p < 0.001
14.62
± 12.28
Abandoned leads before TLE27
(28.42)
p < 0.001
10
(21.74)
p = 0.008
14
(20.59)
p = 0.004
12
(54.55)
p < 0.001
63
(27.27)
p < 0.001
354
(9.85)
Unnecessary (large) lead loop in the heart10
(10.53)
p = 0.005
6
(13.04)
p = 0.005
3
(4.41)
p = 1.000
7
(31.82)
p < 0.001
26
(11.26)
p < 0.001
158
(4.40)
Number of leads in the heart before TLE2.16
± 0.84
p = 0.004
2.20
± 0.62
p = 0.005
2.10
± 0.79
p = 0.071
2.68
± 1.21
p = 0.027
2.20
± 0.84
p < 0.001
1.94
± 0.73
≥4 leads in the heart before TLE8
(8.42)
p < 0.001
0
(0.00)
p = 0.260
5
(7.35)
p < 0.001
7
(31.82)
p < 0.001
20
(8.66)
p < 0.001
98
(2.73)
Leads on both sides of the chest before TLE7
(7.37)
p = 0.003
0
(0.00)
p = 0.280
6
(8.82)
p < 0.001
5
(22.73)
p < 0.001
18
(7.79)
p < 0.001
89
(2.48)
Number of procedures before lead extraction2.90
± 1.67
p < 0.001
2.54
± 1.24
p < 0.001
2.45
± 1.41
p < 0.001
2.76
± 1.14
p < 0.001
2.68
± 1.47
p < 0.001
1.81
± 1.03
Two or more CIED procedures before TLE84
(83.42)
p < 0.001
37
(80.43)
p < 0.001
51
(75.00)
p = 0.001
19
(86.36)
p = 0.001
191
(82.68)
p = 0.001
1834
(51.03)
Risk scores for prediction of major complications or increased procedure complexity.
SAFeTY-TLE score (points)10.75
± 4.55
p < 0.001
9.62
± 4.11
p < 0.001
6.36
± 3.82
p < 0.001
10.07
± 5.03
p < 0.001
9.75
± 4.59
p < 0.001
5.67
± 4.07
SAFeTY-TLE score (%)5.80
± 8.89
p < 0.001
3.69
± 3.00
p < 0.001
3.36
± 4.75
p < 0.001
3.89
± 3.31
p < 0.001
4.48
± 6.64
p < 0.001
1.54
± 2.43
EROS score (points)2.15
± 0.92
p < 0.001
2.11
± 0.82
p < 0.001
1.81
± 0.87
p < 0.014
2.27
± 0.83
p < 0.001
2.05
± 0.89
p < 0.001
1.50
± 0.71
MB score (points)3.53
± 0.68
p < 0.001
3.50
± 0.78
p < 0.001
3.32
± 0.89
p < 0.001
3.46
± 0.91
p < 0.001
3.46
± 0.79
p < 0.001
2.53
± 1.25
LED index (points)17.37
± 7.11
p < 0.001
16.46
± 7.08
p < 0.001
13.52
± 7.46
p < 0.001
18.32
± 9.04
p < 0.001
16.44
± 7.48
p < 0.001
9.65
± 6.10
Advanced TLE (Mazzone) scale (points)2.53
± 0.70
p < 0.001
2.50
± 0.69
p = 0.006
2.49
± 0.70
p = 0.001
2.41
± 0.80
p = 0.154
2.50
± 0.70
p < 0.001
2.12
± 0.93
LECOM score (points)12.97
± 4.20
p < 0.001
12.45
± 3.50
p < 0.001
11.20
± 4.07
p < 0.001
14.18
± 5.32
p < 0.001
12.36
± 4.23
p < 0.001
7.94
± 3.96
LECOM score (%)41.81
± 22.15
p < 0.001
39.76
± 20.58
p < 0.001
33.07
± 21.00
p < 0.001
50.34
± 29.69
p < 0.001
39.64
± 22.76
p < 0.001
19.08
± 17.43
LECOM score (patients with very high expected complexity of the procedure)79
(83.16)
p < 0.001
33
(71.54)
p < 0.001
45
(66.18)
p < 0.001
18
(81.83)
p < 0.001
175
(76.76)
p < 0.001
1135
(31.58)
Potential procedure-related risk factors for major complications and increased procedure complexity.
Number of extracted leads per patient2.01
± 0.88
p < 0.001
1.96
± 0.70
p < 0.001
1.87
± 0.69
p = 0.002
2.50
± 1.10
p < 0.004
2.00
± 0.82
p < 0.001
1.63
± 0.72
Extraction of abandoned lead(s) (any)26
(27.37)
p < 0.001
10
(21.74)
p = 0.003
13
(19.12)
p = 0.004
11
(50.00)
p < 0.001
60
(25.97)
p < 0.001
322
(8.96)
Extraction of old model UP leads (excluding LV leads)29
(30.53)
p < 0.001
9
(19.57)
p < 0.001
10
(14.71)
p = 0.002
8
(36.36)
p < 0.001
56
(24.24)
p < 0.001
210
(5.84)
Extraction of passive fixation leads (excluding LV leads)88
(92.63)
p < 0.001
45
(97.83)
p < 0.001
62
(91.18)
p < 0.001
20
(90.91)
p = 0.001
215
(93.07)
p < 0.001
2008
(55.87)
Extraction of VDD leads7
(7.37)
p = 0.005
1
(2.17)
p = 0.860
1
(1.47)
p = 0.564
1
(4.55)
p = 0.565
10
(4.33)
p = 0.113
93
(2.59)
Extraction of leads with redundant loop in the heart11
(11.58)
p = 0.002
6
(13.04)
p = 0.007
2
(2.94)
p = 0.518
8
(36.36)
p < 0.001
32
(13.85)
p < 0.001
165
(4.59)
Oldest lead extracted per patient (months)185.3
± 83.85
p < 0.001
176.7
± 85.69
p < 0.001
152.0
± 90.68
p < 0.001
191.7
± 106.04
p < 0.001
174.3
± 89.25
p < 0.001
95.90
± 71.68
Sum of dwell times of extracted leads (years)28.46
± 17.41
p < 0.001
26.13
± 14.48
p < 0.001
21.29
± 13.15
p < 0.001
35.51
± 21.89
p < 0.001
26.56
± 16.62
p < 0.001
12.96
± 11.95
TLE—transvenous lead extraction; M–W U test—Mann–Whitney U test; CIED—cardiac implantable electronic device; SAFeTY-TLE score (prediction of major complications); EROS—ELECTRa Registry Outcome Score; MB—MB score; Advanced TLE Mazzone score—Mazzone score (need for advanced TLE techniques); LED—LED index, LECOM—Lead Extraction COMplexity score (prediction of TLE complexity); UP—unipolar; LV—left ventricle; VDD—dual chamber pacemaker (atrial sensing, ventricular sensing/pacing) with single ventricular lead.
Table 3. Procedure complexity in patients with lead breaks as compared to the control group.
Table 3. Procedure complexity in patients with lead breaks as compared to the control group.
Procedure ComplexityLead Break with a Long FragmentLead Break with a Short FragmentLead Break of the Tip of the Lead OnlyLead Break with Loss of a Free-Floating FragmentAll Extractions, with Lead BreakAll Extractions, without Lead Break
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
M–W U test, Chi2 test
Mean ± SD
N (%)
Group number/number of patients (%)1/95 (2.48)2/46 (1.20)3/68 (1.78)4/22 (0.57)5/231 (6.04)6/3594 (93.96)
TLE complexity and outcomes
Extraction time (sheath-to-sheath) (minutes)69.80
± 49.46
p < 0.001
27.20
± 14.47
p < 0.001
24.74
± 28.10
p < 0.001
92.73
± 77.15
p < 0.001
50.23
± 49.44
p < 0.001
12.77
± 18.01
* Average time of single lead extraction (minutes)38.75
± 31.64
p < 0.001
15.70
± 9.51
p < 0.001
12.83
± 12.76
p < 0.001
44.09
± 50.76
p < 0.001
27.04
± 29.65
p < 0.001
7.75
± 9.55
Overall number of technical problems in the group of patients95
(100.0)
p < 0.001
32
(69.57)
p < 0.001
26
(38.24)
p < 0.001
22
(100.0)
p < 0.001
175
(75.76)
p < 0.001
552
(15.36)
Number of technical problems per patient2.21
± 1.02
p < 0.001
1.53
± 0.62
p < 0.001
1.54
± 0.71
p < 0.001
2.73
± 1.03
p < 0.001
2.05
± 0.99
p < 0.001
1.24
± 0.50
Two or more technical problems69
(72.63)
p = 0.001
15
(32.61)
p = 0.001
12
(17.65)
p = 0.001
22
(100.0)
p = 0.001
118
(51.08)
p = 0.001
115
(3.20)
Utilitization of additional tools and techniques
Evolution (old and new) or TightRail15
(15.79)
p < 0.001
4
(8.70)
p < 0.001
6
(8.82)
p < 0.001
4
(18.18)
p < 0.001
29
(12.55)
p < 0.001
29
(0.81)
Metal sheaths29
(30.53)
p < 0.001
9
(19.57)
p < 0.001
12
(17.65)
p = 0.001
5
(22.73)
p = 0.006
55
(23.81)
p < 0.001
261
(7.26)
Lasso catheters/snares, basket catheters91
(95.79)
p < 0.001
12
(26.09)
p < 0.001
4
(5.88)
p = 0.014
22
(100.0)
p < 0.001
129
(55.84)
p < 0.001
65
(1.81)
Need to use an alternative approach36
(37.89)
p < 0.001
2
(4.35)
p = 0.281
5
(7.35)
p = 0.003
10
(45.45)
p < 0.001
53
(22.94)
p < 0.001
74
(2.06)
Procedure difficulty score
** Retrospective TLE combined difficulty score (points)3.58
± 0.79
p < 0.001
1.98
± 1.34
p < 0.001
1.04
± 1.43
p < 0.001
3.82
± 0.73
p < 0.001
2.54
± 1.61
p < 0.001
0.43
± 0.95
Retrospective TLE combined difficulty score of two or more points95
(100.0)
p < 0.001
33
(71.74)
p < 0.001
23
(33.82)
p < 0.001
22
(100.0)
p < 0.001
173
(74.89)
p < 0.001
556
(15.47)
TLE—transvenous lead extraction, M–W U test—Mann-Whitney U test, * (sheath-to-sheath/number of extracted leads), ** (dilatation time and the use of second line tools, advanced tools, and advanced techniques).
Table 4. Procedure complications and long-term outcomes.
Table 4. Procedure complications and long-term outcomes.
Procedure Complications and Long-Term OutcomesLead Break with a Long FragmentLead Break with a Short FragmentLead Break of the Tip of the Lead OnlyLead Break with Loss of a Free-Floating FragmentAll Extractions, with Lead BreakAll Extractions, without Lead Break
N (%)
Chi2 test
N (%)
Chi2 test
N (%)
Chi2 test
N (%)
Chi2 test
N (%)
Chi2 test
N (%)
Group number/number of patients (%)1/95 (2.48)2/46 (1.20)3/68 (1.78)4/22 (0.57)5/231 (6.04)6/3594 (93.96)
TLE efficacy and complications
Major complications (any)7
(7.37)
p < 0.001
7
(15.22)
p < 0.001
5
(7.35)
p < 0.001
4
(18.18)
p < 0.001
23
(9.96)
p < 0.001
55
(1.53)
Hemopericardium4
(4.21)
p = 0.002
5
(10.87)
p < 0.001
3
(4.41)
p = 0.004
1
(4.55)
p = 0.080
13
(5.63)
p < 0.001
33
(0.92)
Hemothorax1
(1.05)
p = 0.014
0
(0.00)
p = 0.821
0
(0.00)
p = 0.783
0
(0.00)
p = 0.877
1
(0.43)
p = 0.190
4
(0.11)
Tricuspid valve damage during TLE (severe)2
(2.11)
p = 0.017
1
(2.17)
p = 0.074
2
(2.94)
p = 0.002
3
(13.64)
p < 0.001
8
(3.46)
p < 0.001
15
(0.42)
Rescue cardiac surgery4
(4.21)
p = 0.001
4
(8.70)
p < 0.001
2
(2.94)
p = 0.057
1
(4.55)
p = 0.054
11
(4.76)
p < 0.001
29
(0.81)
Death, procedure-related (intra-,post-procedural)0
(0.00)
p = 0.691
0
(0.00)
p = 0.783
0
(0.00)
p = 0.736
0
(0.00)
p = 0.847
0
(0.00)
p = 0.534
6
(0.17)
Clinical success84
(88.42)
p < 0.001
34
(73.91)
p < 0.001
43
(63.24)
p < 0.001
19
(86.36)
p < 0.001
180
(77.92)
p < 0.001
3567
(99.25)
Complete procedural success58
(61.05)
p < 0.001
6
(13.04)
p < 0.001
1
(1.47)
p < 0.001
12
(54.55)
p < 0.001
77
(33.33)
p < 0.001
3565
(99.19)
Long-term mortality after TLE
Survivors64
(67.37)
p = 0.549
33
(71.74)
p = 0.300
49
(72.06)
p = 0.190
11
(50.00)
p = 0.160
157
(67.97)
p = 0.270
2314
(64.39)
One-year mortality12
(12.63)
p = 0.115
4
(8.70)
p = 0.890
2
(2.94)
p = 0.119
3
(13.64)
p = 0.347
21
(9.09)
p = 0.604
292
(8.13)
Overall follow-up mortality31
(32.63)
p = 0.549
13
(28.26)
p = 0.300
19
(27.94)
p = 0.190
11
(50.00)
p = 0.160
74
(32.036)
p = 0.270
1280
(35.62)
TLE—transvenous lead extraction.
Table 5. Management of lead break and its effectiveness.
Table 5. Management of lead break and its effectiveness.
Management of Lead BreakLead Break with a Long FragmentLead Break with a Short FragmentLead Break of the Tip of the Lead OnlyLead Break with Loss of Broken Lead Fragment or Lead TipAll Extractions, with Lead Break
N (%)N (%)N (%)N (%)N (%)
Group number/number of patients (%)1/95
(2.48)
2/46
(1.20)
3/68
(1.78)
4/22
(0.57)
5/231
(6.04)
Grasped remnant entirely removed63
(66.32)
4
(8.70)
0
(0.00)
15
(68.18)
82
(35.50)
Shortening the lead remnant, with a retained fragment < 4 cm26
(27.37)
1
(2.17)
0
(0.00)
3
(13.64)
30
(12.99)
Unsuccessful attempt at retrieval of the fragment3
(3.16)
10
(21.74)
0
(0.00)
4
(18.18)
17
(7.36)
No attempt made to grasp the fragment (no chance)0
(0.00)
29
(63.04)
68
(100.0)
0
(0.00)
97
(41.99)
Lead remnant removal during emergency or planned cardiac surgery3
(3.16)
1
(2.17)
0
(0.00)
0
(0.00)
4
(1.73)
Procedure aborted due to major complications and ultimately, death of the patient0
(0.00)
1
(2.17)
0
(0.00)
0
(0.00)
1
(0.43)
Table 6. Predictors of lead break: results of univariable and multivariable regression analysis.
Table 6. Predictors of lead break: results of univariable and multivariable regression analysis.
Univariable Regression ModelMultivariable Regression Model
OR95% CIpOR95% CIp
Patient age during TLE
(by 1 year)
0.9770.970–0.984<0.001
Patient age at first system implantation
(by 1 year)
0.9650.959–0.971<0.0010.9710.961–0.981<0.001
Sum of all lead dwell times
(by 1 year)
1.1261.107–1.145<0.0011.0181.005–1.0310.006
Ischemic heart disease
(y/n)
0.5670.432–0.743<0.0011.1250.803–1.5770.494
LVEF
(by 1% p)
1.0271.017–1.038<0.0011.0141.003–1.0260.013
Charlson co-morbidity index
(by 1 point)
0.9120.875–0.951<0.0011.0330.983–1.0860.203
Non-infectious indications for TLE
(y/n)
0.9790.788–1.2160.846
Abandoned leads before TLE
(y/n)
3.5102.575–4.786<0.0011.1070.712–1.7200.652
Lead loops before TLE
(y/n)
2.6781.765–4.062<0.0011.3470.856–2.1200.198
Number of the leads in the heart before TLE
(by 1)
1.5261.296–1.798<0.0011.0210.804–1.2980.862
Leads on both sides of the chest
(y/n)
1.0200.980–1.0620.335
Number of CIED-related procedures before TLE
(by 1)
1.6921.537–1.863<0.0011.1871.033–1.3640.016
UP lead extraction
(y/n)
4.6273.377–6.341<0.0011.1970.808–1.7710.370
Extraction of passive fixation lead
(y/n)
10.6776.397–17.82<0.0016.3543.679–10.97<0.001
Sum of dwell times of all extracted leads
(by 1 year)
1.0561.048–1.065<0.001
Number of extracted leads
(by 1)
1.7841.526–2.085<0.001
Extraction of abandoned lead/leads
(y/n)
3.6712.681–5.026<0.001
Extraction of looped leads
(y/n)
1.8891.384–2.578<0.001
Dwell time of the oldest extracted lead
(by 1 year)
1.1291.110–1.148<0.001
TLE—transvenous lead extraction; LVEF—left ventricular ejection fraction; % p—percent point; CIED—cardiac implantable electronic device; UP—unipolar.
Table 7. Prognostic value of different scores predicting the risk or complexity of TLE in the evaluation of the probability of lead break; results of univariable and multivariable regression analysis.
Table 7. Prognostic value of different scores predicting the risk or complexity of TLE in the evaluation of the probability of lead break; results of univariable and multivariable regression analysis.
Univariable Regression ModelMultivariable Regression Model
OR95%CIpOR95%CIp
SAFeTY-TLE
(by 1% p)
1.1981.160–1.237<0.0011.0290.988–1.0710.171
EROS
(by 1 point)
2.3962.036–2.819<0.0011.0810.860–1.3580.505
MB
(by 1 point)
2.1301.847–2.455<0.0011.1280.895–1.4220.307
LED
(by 1 point)
1.1291.110–1.148<0.0011.0581.024–1.094<0.001
Advanced TLE
(by 1 point)
1.6051.379–1.868<0.0011.1280.898–1.4160.300
LECOM
(by 1% point)
1.0411.035–1.047<0.0011.0191.009–1.029<0.001
SAFeTY-TLE score (predicting the risk of major complications); EROS—ELECTRa Registry Outcome Score; MB—MB score; LED—LED index; Advanced TLE (Mazzone) score—Mazzone score (need for use of advanced TLE techniques); LECOM—Lead Extraction COMplexity score (predicting extraction complexity).
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MDPI and ACS Style

Kutarski, A.; Jacheć, W.; Czajkowski, M.; Stefańczyk, P.; Kosior, J.; Tułecki, Ł.; Nowosielecka, D. Lead Break during Extraction: Predisposing Factors and Impact on Procedure Complexity and Outcome: Analysis of 3825 Procedures. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 2349. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082349

AMA Style

Kutarski A, Jacheć W, Czajkowski M, Stefańczyk P, Kosior J, Tułecki Ł, Nowosielecka D. Lead Break during Extraction: Predisposing Factors and Impact on Procedure Complexity and Outcome: Analysis of 3825 Procedures. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024; 13(8):2349. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082349

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kutarski, Andrzej, Wojciech Jacheć, Marek Czajkowski, Paweł Stefańczyk, Jarosław Kosior, Łukasz Tułecki, and Dorota Nowosielecka. 2024. "Lead Break during Extraction: Predisposing Factors and Impact on Procedure Complexity and Outcome: Analysis of 3825 Procedures" Journal of Clinical Medicine 13, no. 8: 2349. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082349

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