[Transvenous retrieval of endocardial pacemaker electrode fragments (author's transl)].

The management of septicemia associated with an infected endocardial pacemaker lead prerequisites removal of the latter nidus. If the infected electrode cannot be manually withdrawn, continuous traction may be employed. Should this attempted fail or should the severed end of the electrode fragment be inaccessible to a superficial approach, thoracotomy may be necessary. As an alternative procedure, we have successfully removed infected electrode fragments from three patients with septicemia by use of a Dotter retrieval catheter monitored with biplane fluoroscopy. The septicemia was subsequently irradiated in all cases.