When electronic leads from pacemakers or ICDs are not working properly because of malfunction, breakage, scar tissue around the lead, or infection at the lead site, they need to be removed and replaced. Because these leads reside in the delicate tissues of the heart and its vessels, this must be done very carefully.

The Arrhythmia Institute is vastly experienced in removing malfunctioning or impacted leads quickly and safely without open surgery, using a minimally invasive procedure called laser lead extraction. Our physicians use laser lead extraction to vaporize scar tissue surrounding the malfunctioning or impacted lead, allowing it to be easily removed—a procedure far less likely to damage or tear the heart’s delicate lining or its blood vessels. Laser lead extraction is a catheter-based procedure that is much safer for the patient and has a very high success rate.

For a referral to an expert in laser lead extraction at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City, call 1 (877) 996-9334.