Transvenous excimer laser-assisted lead extraction of cardiac implantable electrical devices in the Japanese elderly population

Background The feasibility and safety of lead extraction of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in the elderly Asian population remain uncertain. We report the outcome and safety of transvenous excimer laser-assisted lead extraction of CIEDs in Japanese patients aged ≥80 years. Methods Consecutive 235 patients (age 67 ± 15 years, 167 male) undergoing lead extraction of CIED with an excimer laser system (Philips, Andover, MA, USA) were included. Results Of 235 consecutive patients, 51 (22%) were ≥80 years (age 86 ± 5 years, 14 were aged ≥90 years; 42 had pacemakers, 3 had implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and 6 had cardiac resynchronization therapy devices). The median implant duration was 110 ± 95 months. Patients aged ≥80 years had lower body mass index (BMI, 20.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2 vs. 22.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2, p Conclusions Excimer laser-assisted lead extraction was safe and feasible in the Japanese elderly population with low BMI, despite the high likelihood of procedural complications. Early removal of infected CIEDs should be performed without delay in elderly Asian populations.