What Are Pacemakers & Defibrillators?
Pacemakers and defibrillators are small devices implanted into the body to help regulate the heart through electrical signals. Cardiothoracic surgeons implant these devices to keep the heart beating in a normal rhythm.
Specialists at ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ of Utah ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ have over twenty years’ experience in these procedures. They constantly participate in research to bring the latest in cardiovascular treatments to their patients.
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Lead Extraction
Wires, called leads, are attached to a pacemaker and deliver electrical energy to the heart. When one or more of these leads needs to be removed, the procedure is called a lead extraction.
Removing lead wires from pacemakers and defibrillators is a delicate process. They don’t easily pull out. This is because they get tightly attached to the heart and veins through which they travel on the way to the heart. The longer leads have been implanted, the more tightly attached they get. Cardiologists use special tools and techniques to extract leads safely and effectively.
The most common reasons for recommending lead extraction are:
- infection of the pacemaker or defibrillator,
- malfunctioning leads, and
- multiple abandoned leads.
Whether a patient needs lead extraction isn’t always clear-cut. ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ of Utah ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ cardiologists can counsel patients on whether they need an extraction and if there are any alternative approaches.