Percutaneous extraction of a malpositioned subclavian arterial pacing lead using the retained wire technique and a vascular closure device: a case report

Background: Inadvertent lead malposition (ILM) in the left ventricle (LV) via the subclavian artery is a rare complication during the insertion of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). If not identified, there is a risk of systemic thromboembolism. Transarterial pacing lead extraction often requires surgical removal and carries high risks of bleeding and thromboembolism, but percutaneous extraction has also been previously described.

Case summary: A 71-year-old female presented with left homonymous hemianopia on Day 1 post-insertion of a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker (PPM). A computed tomography (CT) angiogram of the brain and aortic arch revealed an acute occlusion of a branch of the right posterior circulating artery (PCA) and a malpositioned pacing lead in the left subclavian artery. Urgent percutaneous removal of the transarterial lead using the retained wire technique was successfully performed.

Discussion: Inadvertent lead malposition in the arterial system is rare and often requires lead extraction due to systemic thromboembolic complications. The retained wire technique has been previously described for percutaneous transvenous lead extraction and exchange, but to our knowledge, we are the first to report utilizing this technique for transarterial lead extraction. Using a case report, we highlight the utility, safety, and effectiveness of the retained wire technique in extracting a malposition lead in the subclavian artery and LV.