Uncomplicated Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Extraction After 4 Years Dwell Time: A Case Report

The extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) was developed to overcome complications associated with transvenous leads while being able to deliver anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). The lead is implanted in the substernal space, which makes extraction a cautious procedure. We present a case of a 51-year-old women with a successful EV-ICD extraction after a lead dwell time of 4 years, which is the longest reported. The EV-ICD lead was extracted using simple traction after the removal of all adhesions at the xiphoidal site around the lead. We advise to only use extraction tools if the initial attempt is not successful and if no adhesions at the caudal part of the lead are visible anymore, as these tools could also damage the surrounding tissue and the lead.