Extraction of a Micra Transcatheter Pacing System: First-in-human experience

Clinical trials investigating the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter leadless pacemakers in humans are ongoing. These devices offer the benefits of cardiac pacing with the potential for a significant decrease in many of the risks associated with conventional pacing systems, including hematoma formation, pneumothorax, lead-related complications, and vascular obstruction. Human evaluation of the Medtronic Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) began in 2013, and the device is currently undergoing clinical investigation. The devices are implanted via a femoral venous approach and use a novel tined system for fixation to the right ventricular endocardium. The pacemakers can be readily retrieved at the time of implantation, but no data exist regarding the ability to remove these devices in humans after the initial implantation procedure. We report the first successful extraction of a Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, 3 weeks after initial device implantation.