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Background: Complications associated with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices may necessitate device and lead removal. An open approach to removal may be electively chosen in cases with high risk of complications or those requiring additional concomitant cardiac surgery. This study aimed to investigate outcomes of patients who underwent elective open lead extractions (OLE) at two large tertiary care centers. Methods: The records of 29 patients undergoing elective OLE were analyzed through retrospective chart review. Results: 69 total leads were extracted from 29 patients (77% completely, 23% partially). The average age of the oldest leads was 13.3 ± 11.3 years. Infective endocarditis with severe valvular insufficiency requiring valvular intervention (41%)—an infectious etiology, and tricuspid valve intervention to correct RV lead‐related severe TR (38%)—a noninfectious etiology, were the most common reasons for OLE. 38% of the patients had additional co‐primary or secondary indications for open extraction, such as CABG and pericardiectomies. The rate of major complications and procedural failure was 3% each (1/29). 30‐day survival was 100%, and 1‐year survival was 92%. The average length of hospital stay was 15 days and higher among those undergoing OLE for infectious indications. Conclusion: Open lead extractions offered a similar clinical success rate (97%) to transvenous extractions in this cohort and may be a viable alternative for those necessitating valvular intervention or when the risk of complications from TLE is considered very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare cause of heart failure, with high in-hospital mortality associated with fulminant disease. A 61-year-old female transplant recipient was diagnosed with COVID-19 after presenting with 2 days of constitutional symptoms. She developed acute heart failure from EM. After an initial response to inotropic support and corticosteroids, she had a relapse with de novo peripheral eosinophilia which responded to further eosinophilic myocarditis management and the addition of mepolizumab. Although there have been reports after COVID-19 vaccination, association with active SARS-CoV-2 infection is rare. This paper reports, for the first time, the case of a heart transplant recipient with EM after COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)