Femoral retrieval system

Femoral tools were developed to retrieve leads via the femoral approach. Many of these tools come from other disciplines. The most common procedure for extracting leads using the femoral approach is employed using the Byrd Workstation M femoral intravascular retrieval set. With this system, as... 

There are three fundamental anatomic approaches for lead extraction (23,24,37). The first is retrieval by the implant vein, frequently called the superior approach. This approach can include simple traction. Buck s traction, the use of locking stylets with traction, or the use of locking stylets with countertraction sheaths. The second approach is transfemoial, frequently called the inferior approach. This approach may involve several distinct techniques. When this involves entangling a lead with a pigtail catheter, the catheter is passed from below. When free open ends present themselves, a wire-loop system may be used with traction. Both the Dotter retriever and Dormia basket may also be applied for traction from below. Finally, the lead to be removed may be extracted by the Byrd Femoral Work Station with the use of a combination of snares and wire loops. The third and final approach is retrieval of leads by a limited thoracotomy. 

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