Background and aim: RENEDI (“Registro Nacional de Extracción de Dispositivos”) is the first registry on Transvenous Lead Extraction (TLE) designed in Argentina with the objective of providing data on lead extraction real-world practice. Methods: An online database platform was designed. Data referred to patients, leads and extraction procedures were compiled and reviewed by a Committee. Results: A total of 621 leads were extracted from 325 patients (average age of 59 years; 71% male). The targeted leads included 374 pacemaker leads (61%), 176 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads (28%) and 71 cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (11%). Two hundred and thirty-three (38%) atrial, 367 (59%) ventricular and 21 (3%) coronary sinus leads placement. The average lead dwell time was 105. 9 months. The commonest indication for removal was infection (68%-Local 71%). Cardiovascular surgeons were usually the primary operator (81%). The presence of cardiovascular stand-by was reported in 72% of cases. Percutaneous approach (98%) was predominant. A total of 158 (25%) leads with a median dwell time of 33.3 months were extracted using simple traction. Overall complication rate was 4%. Only one major complication and no deaths were informed. Minor complications occurred in 3.6% of procedures. Complete procedural success was 96.2%. Incomplete extraction was obtained in 23 leads. No permanent disabling complications or procedure-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: Current Argentinian practice has demonstrated that TLE is a safe and effective procedure associated with a low incidence of complications and high success rate when it is performed in well-trained hands.

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is standard of care for the management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic device infection or lead related complications. Currently, objective data on TLE in Latin America is lacking. Objective: To describe the current practice standards in Latin American centers performing TLE. Methods: An online survey was sent through the mailing list of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Association (LAHRS). Online reminders were sent through the mailing list; duplicate answers were discarded. The survey was available for one month, after which no more answers were accepted. Results: A total of 48 answers were received, from 44 different institutions (39.6% from Colombia, 27,1% from Brazil), with most respondents (83%) being electrophysiologists. Twenty-nine institutions (66%) performed less than 10 lead extractions/year, with 7 (15%) institutions not performing lead extraction. Although most institutions in which lead extraction is performed reported using several tools, mechanical rotating sheaths were cited as the main tool (73%), 13.5% reported the use of mechanical extraction sheaths and only 13.5% reporting the use of laser sheaths. Management of infected leads was performed according to current guidelines. Conclusion: This survey is the first attempt to provide information on TLE procedures in Latin America and could provide useful information for future prospective registries. According to our results, the number of centers performing high volume lead extraction in Latin America is smaller than that reported in other continents, with most interventions performed using mechanical tools. Future prospective registries assessing acute and long-term success are needed.