METHODS
A prospective, multi center and observational national cohort study for patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction (TLE) was performed.
An online platform active since January 2018 to December 2019 was designed to support the first national registry. It was launched by Argentinian College of Cardiovascular Surgeons (CACCV) in co-operation with Argentinian College of Cardiac Electrophysiology (SADEC), Argentinian College of Cardiology (SAC), and Argentinian Federation of Cardiology (FAC). The Executive Committee composed of members from these societies provided the study design. No specific protocol or recommendations regarding techniques were made for TLE procedures. Database quality and integrity were also performed by this Executive Committee.
Data were obtained for 325 patients and 621 targeted leads. The following information was provided by qualified reporters using a standard web-based electronic format: demographics data (age, gender), type of device (pacemaker, cardioverter-defibrillator implantation (CDI) or cardiac resynchronization therapy Device (CRTD), lead location (atrium, ventricle or coronary sinus), average implant time, indication for removal (in case of infection, bacteriologic organism identified), re-implant during the same procedure, complications and success rates.
With reference to facilities, equipment and personnel, the next data were researched and analyzed: location (operating room, cath/electrophysiology lab or hybrid lab), primary operator (surgeon, cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon standby), anaesthesia support (general or IV moderate sedation) and techniques and tools. Supplemental information or comments by investigators were provided by reporters in a text format.
Definitions published in the guidance documents by HRS (2009), EHRA (2012) and EHRA (2018) were used to define procedural approaches, techniques and outcomes. 1-3
Data will be presented as a descriptive and statistical analysis. Categorical variables will be reported as counts and percentages. Study investigators had full access to all study data and approved all results provided in this manuscript.