Years after implantation, some cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator leads (wires) may need removal or replacement by extraction. This is because implanted cardiac devices (ICD) can be subject to infection, malfunction, or fracture.
Removing implanted leads is potentially risky and offered only at a small number of medical centers -- many fewer than those offering implantation of these systems.
Similar to other procedures, volume matters in terms of success and freedom from complications. Duke has among the highest volume of cardiac lead extractions with laser or other technology in the Southeast.
About 95 percent of patients have their leads removed without the need for open-heart surgery.
Duke has an interdisciplinary program in lead extraction using the only hybrid operating room in North Carolina offering state-of-the-art x-ray fluoroscopy in a fully equipped open heart operating theater.
Make an appointment with a Duke heart specialist near you: 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853).
Physicians offering this service include:
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