Removal of infected entrapped pacemaker electrodes by continuous traction (author's transl)

To remove an infected pacemaker system in order to control the infection is often difficult when there is extensive connective-tissue fixation of the electrode. Forced manual extraction may lead to severe complications. For this reason, operative removal, in certain circumstances involving cardiotomy under extracorporeal circulation, has been practised. An alternative is continuous traction in which the probe is attached peripherally and by continuous traction removed from its cardiac attachment. Nine patients have been treated successfully by this method. In eight the electrode was removed within 1-10 days without significant complications. In one instance the electrode-catheter tore within the superior vena cava after 18 days of continuous traction; the remaining catheter, about 12 cm long, was removed with a sling catheter.