A surgical procedure to remove one or more pacing or defibrillator leads from the heart and veins. May be needed due to lead infection, lead failure, or to make way for a new lead. Lead extraction is a specialist procedure performed in a limited number of centres and carries a small but recognised risk of serious complications. It is usually only recommended when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
« Back to Glossary IndexLead Extraction
« Back to Glossary Index