The Challenges of Defibrillator and Pacemaker Lead Extraction

Defibrillator and pacemaker leads can be challenging to remove or replace, even when the procedure is performed by an experienced cardiologist. Infection, manufacturer recall and device malfunction are all reasons a lead might require extraction. How can we balance the risks of the procedure with the potential harms of leaving a lead implanted? Dr. Charles Love, professor of clinical medicine in the division of cardiovascular medicine and director of Cardiac Rhythm Device Services at Ohio State University Medical Center, discusses ways to manage the risks of lead extraction with host Dr. Alfred Bove.