Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Pre-procedural computed tomography predicts procedural complexity and complications in bidirectional rotational mechanical transvenous lead extraction

EuropacePublished Retrospective cohort study

Authors' conclusion

Pre-procedural CT allows accurate identification of high-risk anatomical features, particularly fibrosis length and calcifications, which independently predict both complicated and complex rotational mechanical TLE.

Study context

Population
Patients undergoing rotational mechanical transvenous lead extraction (TLE) with pre-procedural contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)215 leads extracted
Participants
115 patients
Outcome
Complicated procedure (major complication, incomplete lead removal or snare use) and complex procedure (snare or tissue stabilization sheath)
Methodological detailsMean lead dwelling time 95 ± 73 months
  • Mean lead dwelling time 95 ± 73 months

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Complicated and complex procedures
Complicated procedures
20.9%
Complicated procedure independently associated with longest fibrosis length on CT (OR)
1.1; P < 0.001
Fibrosis length >40 mm predicting complicated procedure
AUC 0.92; 0.88-0.97 (95% CI)
Complex procedures
37.4%
Fibrosis length >30 mm predicting complex procedure
AUC 0.72; 0.64-0.81 (95% CI)

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Original publication

Pre-procedural computed tomography predicts procedural complexity and complications in bidirectional rotational mechanical transvenous lead extraction. Europace. Published 6 December 2025. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf308

Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it

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