Kratz J M, Leman R, Gillette P C
Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Ann Thorac Surg. 1990 Apr;49(4):676-7. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(90)90328-4.
With the advent of tined transvenous cardiac pacing leads, the complete extraction of pacing leads in the treatment of an infected cardiac pacing system has become increasingly difficult. A method is described for the extraction of permanent pacing leads from the heart using alligator forceps inserted transvenously through the right internal jugular vein, grasping the lead near its insertion point in the cardiac muscle.