Pearls of Wisdom for High-Risk Laser Lead Extractions: A Focused Review

Anesth Analg. 2018 Feb;126(2):406-412. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000002540.

Abstract

Due to new indications and improved technology, the incidence of laser lead extraction (LLE) has significantly increased over the past years. While LLE has been well studied and proven to be safe and effective, only few studies are geared toward the anesthesiologist's role during high-risk LLEs. This article utilized both a focused review and authors' experience to investigate anesthetic protocols during LLEs. Through this review, we recommend best practices for the anesthesiologist including appropriate procedure location, onsite availability of a cardiac surgeon, availability of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, and intraoperative use of echocardiography to detect and address potential complications during high-risk LLEs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass / adverse effects
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass / methods
  • Device Removal / adverse effects
  • Device Removal / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / adverse effects
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Risk Assessment