Complications and lead extraction in cardiac pacing and defibrillation.

The only indications for which lead extraction may be really necessary are infected pacing or defibrillation systems. Superfluous non-functional leads can on the whole be more safely abandoned than extracted. Improvements in lead extraction will be more helped by designing and implanting leads that can be more easily removed than current models, than with better extraction tools. Still, as infection and hence lead extraction usually follows surgical interventions of a pacing or defibrillation system, avoiding the latter - or postponing it if possible - is of great importance (Neth Heart J 2008;16(Suppl1):S28-S31.).