Our Services
Lead Extraction
A lead is a special wire that delivers energy from a pacemaker or an ICD to your heart. A lead extraction is a procedure to remove one of more of these leads when they are not working properly.
There are four primary reasons for a lead to not work properly:
- A lead no longer provides a reliable connection to the heart.
- A patient develops an infection of the pacemaker or ICD system.
- A large amount of scar tissue has formed around the tip of the lead; the lead requires more energy to function than the pacemaker or ICD can deliver.
- A damaged lead is blocking veins from entering your heart.
Before the procedure
- Ask your doctor what medications you are allowed to take. If you are taking coumadin make sure you clarify exactly when the doctor wants you to stop it.
- If you must take medications, take with a small sip of water.
- Bring all current medications with you including the dosage and number of times you take the medication during a 24-hour period.
- Eat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. DO NOT eat, drink or chew anything after midnight.
- Remove all makeup and nail polish.
- Wear comfortable clothes. A hospital gown will be provided.
- Leave all metal objects such as keys, jewelery, and watches at home.
- Bring overnight items with you (robe, slippers, and toothbrush).
During the procedure
- You will be given a hospital gown to wear and be asked to lie down on a bed.
- An IV (intravenous line) inserted in your arm administers sedatives, medications, and fluids during the procedure.
- Your chest and both groins will be shaved and cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
- Sterile drapes cover you from your neck to your feet.
- A soft strap is placed across your waist and arms to prevent your hands from touching the sterile area.
- Monitors to track your heart rate, provide a picture of the electrical impulses travelling through your heart, check your blood pressure, and evaluate your oxygen level will be observed by a nurse during the procedure.
- A general anesthetic will be administered by an anaesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will also monitor your heart with a transesophageal echocardiogram during the lead extraction.
- Your doctor will numb the site of the lead extraction.
- A sheath (plastic, hollow tube) is placed in either your subclavian or femoral vein and guided to the tip of the damaged lead; the sheath holds your heart in place during the lead extraction.
After the procedure
- You will be admitted to the hospital overnight for heart rhythm monitoring.
- If new leads have been inserted, a holter monitor will record your heart rhythm.
- A chest x-ray will to check your lungs and the position of new leads will be done the next morning.
- Your doctor will talk to you about activity levels, medications, and follow-up required before you leave the hospital.
Physicians
Locations
- Albuquerque, 502 Elm Street NE (505) 841-1000
- Santa Fe, 2085 S. Pacheco Street (505) 984-8012