Major predictors of fibrous adherences in transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead extraction.

Background: Percutaneous removal of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads is a difficult procedure because of the consequence of massive fibrous tissue growth along the lead.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence and location of fibrous adherences in ICD lead extraction and to identify potential predictors among patient and lead characteristics.

Methods: We studied 637 consecutive patients who underwent transvenous extraction of 678 ICD leads from 1997 to 2013.

Results: Procedural success rate was 99%, without major complications. Areas of adherence were found in the subclavian vein (78%), innominate vein (65%), superior vena cava (66%), and heart (73%). Dwell-time, passive fixation, and dual-coil lead design were independently associated with adherences. Dual-coil lead design was associated with adherences in the innominate vein and superior vena cava, whereas coil treatment (eg, expandable polytetrafluoroethylene-coated or medical adhesive back-filled strategies) prevented adherences. Passive fixation mechanism was associated with adherences in the heart.

Conclusion: ICD leads, after long dwell-time, are affected by fibrous adherences uniformly distributed along the lead course. Lead features represent major predictors of the phenomenon. Careful lead selection is recommended at the time of implantation to prevent adherences. In addition, lead-related risk stratification is mandatory before a transvenous extraction procedure.