Fracture of an S-ICD lead after two prior transvenous lead-related complications with conventional defibrillators

Abstract

Six months after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation a 26-year-old Brugada patient presented because of a beeping tone emitted by his device. Chest X-ray displayed two functionless transvenous shock leads and the S-ICD system with a lead fracture. During lead revision procedure, extensive preparation of the lead from unexpectedly firm surrounding fibrous tissue encapsulating the lead was necessary before it could be removed, and a new shock lead could be implanted. This is the first report of an S-ICD lead exchange due to very early lead fracture and unexpectedly severe fibrous tissue hampering surgical lead extraction.