Evaluation of common suturing techniques to secure implantable cardiac electronic device leads: Which strategy best reduces the lead dislodgement risk?

Summary: Implantable cardiac electronic device lead dislodgment is a relatively common complication and carries significant comorbidities. A potential cause of lead dislodgement includes inadequate anchoring along the lead suture sleeve at the venous insertion site. We assessed which of the 3 commonly applied knot-tying techniques results in the most effective anchoring of a pacing lead along its suture sleeve, which could be associated with minimized lead motion postimplant. Following controlled traction force measurements, the anchor knot technique offered the greatest amount of lead stability when compared with the simple knot and the looping knot techniques.