[Laser sheath extraction of an infected pacemaker lead].

A case of pacemaker electrode infection with Staphylococcus aureus is presented. In order to avoid sternotomy, the right ventricular pacemaker lead, which had been implanted for 15 years, was successfully extracted using a laser sheath despite large endocarditic vegetations on the pacemaker lead. After completion of a 6-week course of antibiotics, the patient was discharged without any further evidence of infection.