Removal of Retained Pacing Leads With Vena Caval Inflow Occlusion When Cardiopulmonary Bypass Is Contraindicated

Treatment of infected pacing leads ranges from percutaneous extraction to surgical removal with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Vena caval inflow occlusion (VCIO) is an old technique that has been used with success in the pediatric population. We report on the use of inflow occlusion (IO) in removing infected pacing leads from the right side of the heart in patients in whom endovascular lead extraction failed. VCIO is a safe and simple technique in patients with infected leads who have contraindications for CPB.