The first TLE procedure in Poland (and second worldwide) based on the utilization of vibration.

On Friday, April 5, 2024, the team from the Cardiology Clinic with the Subdivision of Acute Coronary Syndromes at the Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 named after St. Jadwiga Queen in Rzeszów, with immense support from the Intensive Care Unit and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, applied for the first time in Poland (and second worldwide) a new electrode removal system based on the utilization of vibration in a procedure called TLE (transvenous lead extraction). Instead of mechanically separating adhesions, the electrode is put into a vibrational state, which separates it from the adhesions and enables its removal. This is an entirely new concept in performing electrode removal procedures, which is currently under clinical research.

"We performed electrode removal procedures on two patients with devices implanted three and five years ago. Both procedures were carried out without complications or technical issues. We hope for further development of this promising method and are glad to be able to assist our patients using the latest global technologies," said Prof. Andrzej Przybylski, MD, PhD, Head of the Cardiology Clinic with the Subdivision of Acute Coronary Syndromes at the Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 named after St. Jadwiga Queen in Rzeszów.

The implantation procedures of heart stimulators and cardioverter-defibrillators are life-saving for many patients. Unfortunately, like all medical procedures, they are not free from complications. Electrode damage or infections of the implanted system occur very rarely, but treating them is very challenging because it requires the removal of previously implanted electrodes. This process is difficult and carries a high risk due to the adhesion of electrodes to the walls of blood vessels and the heart. So far, all electrode removal systems have been based on various types of sleeves separating adhesions using mechanical or laser energy.

Source: Cardiology Clinic with the Subdivision of Acute Coronary Syndromes at the Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 named after St. Jadwiga Queen in Rzeszów

Photo Archive: Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 named after St. Jadwiga Queen in Rzeszów