Transvenous extraction of pacemaker leads in infective endocarditis with vegetations ≥20 mm: our experience Full Text
Clinical Cardiology, 04/26/2012

Baztarrica GP et al. – Transvenous extraction of pacing leads with larger vegetations is a feasible technique. There was a tendency toward symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with vegetations larger than 20 mm; however, morbidity and mortality were not influenced. Authors agree with the consensus that this procedure is highly useful and that the selection of the removal techniques will depend not only on the size of vegetation but also on prior cardiopulmonary conditions, concomitant cardiac surgery, atrial septal defect with risk of paradoxical embolism, center experience, and the possibility of complete removal of the device.