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Most of the heart failure patients waiting for heart transplant (HTX) have a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). Device and lead removal is a part of the HTX procedure. This study sought to assess the incidence of complete lead removal in HTX patients. Abandoned lead fragments carry a high risk for infections and prohibit MRI imaging. We therefore propose an appropriate lead management algorithm. Methods: Between February 2009 and September 2015 ninety consecutive patients underwent HTX at our center. The study population included 80 (88.9%) patients with previously implanted CIEDs. Lead removal was performed by simple traction during HTX.

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