Case Report: Enhancing lead extraction techniques: a novel approach using a loop formed by an ablation catheter and a gooseneck snare

TL;DR

A new technique using a catheter and snare loop successfully extracted a very old medical lead that had been implanted for over 30 years.

Contribution

A novel loop-based technique combining an ablation catheter and gooseneck snare is introduced for challenging lead extractions.

Findings

A 30+ year-old lead was successfully extracted using a loop formed by an ablation catheter and gooseneck snare.

The catheter was rotated to remove lead-bound sites during extraction.

The Needle's Eye Snare was used to complete the retrieval process.

Abstract

The difficulty and complexity of lead extraction procedures increase with the age of the lead to be extracted. The extraction of old (>20 years) leads is more time-consuming and requires advanced tools and a complex technique. In this case, we retrieved a very old (>30 years) lead using a loop formed by a catheter and a gooseneck snare. The catheter was rotated to remove the lead-bound sites. The lead was successfully retrieved using a Needle's Eye Snare.

Figures