Reuse of occluded veins during permanent pacemaker lead extraction: a new indication for femoral lead extraction.

Objectives: This study examined the utility of a novel technique for reuse of thrombosed veins when extracting permanent pacemaker leads via a femoral vein approach.

Background: Although lead extraction permanent pacemaker using a femoral approach has advantages over the subclavian approach, it cannot be used to provide access for a new lead using currently employed techniques. This is important because up to 23% of patients have occluded veins after permanent pacemaker implantation.