Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are being implanted for primary and secondary prevention of sudden death in children and young adults with congenital heart disease. Over time, ICD leads adhere to venous endothelium and endocardium. Lead removal, when necessary, often requires disruption of this fibrous tissue.
Methods and results: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed our experience with ICD lead extraction in children and young adults with congenital heart disease. From April 1999 through January 2002, 14 patients underwent 15 lead extraction procedures to remove 21 leads (17 ICD leads and 4 pacing or sensing leads). Seven patients had surgically corrected structural heart disease (5 transposition of the great arteries with atrial switch repair and 2 corrected tetralogy of Fallot). Mean patient age at extraction was 17.9 +/- 5.7 years (range 9-32), and mean duration of lead implantation was 42.0 +/- 18.9 months (range 15-75). Fourteen of 15 procedures were performed for lead fracture or failure. A laser sheath was used for 20 of 21 lead extractions. Twenty of 21 leads (95%) were completely extracted. There were three instances of blood loss requiring transfusion. There were no major complications or deaths.
Conclusion: Young congenital heart disease patients with an ICD are at risk for growth-related lead distortion. The use of a laser sheath is safe and effective for ICD lead extraction in congenital heart disease patients, despite coil adherence and altered anatomy. It may be advisable to avoid dual-coil leads in patients with the potential for future growth.