Partial extravenous course of cardiac pacemaker leads. A major risk during device-assisted extraction

Introduction The intracardiac electronic device implantation rate has been constantly increasing for the last 20 years and is accompanied by an increasing lead extraction rate. Percutaneous extraction of transvenous leads of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices is mandatory in the case of pocket infection and/or system infection, resulting in valvular or lead endocarditis. Lead extraction is also performed in the case of venous thrombosis or stenosis and nonfunctioning leads. When leads have been implanted for more than 1 year, device-assisted extraction may be necessary. Locking stylets and dissection sheaths are common extraction tools.