[Practical aspects of pacemaker and ICD-lead extractions].

Special tools for lead removal enables transvenous lead extractions without cardiac exposure. The risk of fatal complications during extraction of long-term implanted leads requires detailed knowledge and trained physicians. In addition to patients’ age and gender, individual extraction risk factors are access and time since implantation, lead position, kind and number of leads. Locking stylets to anchor the lead within the lumen are necessary in all extraction procedures while the use of external sheaths is optional. Higher risk of cardiac or central vein perforation during lead mobilisation with external laser sheaths has to be respected, and these tools should be used with strong indication only. In cases of high risk, lead explantation with an open heart procedure should be considered as an alternative.