The leadconnection's Podcast

MRI, CIED and Lead Management

MRI is often a necessary diagnostic test for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) but challenging due to patient safety concerns and poor image quality. Drs. Callahan and Wilkoff talk with Dr. Deborah Kwon, Director of Cardiac MRI at Cleveland Clinic about cardiac MRI safety and image optimization.

Management of Penicillin Allergy and CIED Procedures

Penicillin allergy is very challenging for CIED clinicians when managing both prophylaxis and/or treatment of infections. Drs. Callahan and Wilkoff are joined by Dr. Paul Pottinger, Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Washington in Seattle, to discuss penicillin allergy – how to tell if a patient has a true allergy as well as patient management.

Hematomas

Studies have shown that hematoma increases risk of infection and other complications of device implantation.  Drs. Callahan and Wilkoff discuss the importance of hematoma identification, documentation, prevention and treatment. 

Elective CIED Device Removal

When a patient requests to have their implanted device removed, it requires a discussion with the patient and evaluation of device indication.  In this month’s podcast, Drs. Callahan and Wilkoff discuss how they approach ICD and pacemaker patients. 

Management of the Worrisome Site

There are many aspects of a worrisome CIED site that factor into the steps toward treatment.  Drs. Callahan and Wilkoff take us through the steps of diagnosis and treatment, and how technology can assist in early diagnosis. 

Lead Prep

Lead prep is a critical component of lead extraction. Dr. Bruce Wilkoff and Dr. Thomas Callahan talk about their approach to lead prep and how these steps can help improve success of a sometimes difficult procedure.

Lead infections and Endocarditis

Lead infections may involve vegetations that require a surgical intervention.  Dr. Bruce Wilkoff and Dr. Thomas Callahan discuss situations when consultation with a cardiac surgeon is recommended and factors that suggest surgery vs. transvenous lead removal. 

Bridge Balloon

The Bridge Balloon was designed to aid in the rescue after SVC tears, one of the most serious potential complications of lead extractions.  Dr. Bruce Wilkoff and Dr. Thomas Callahan discuss how they use this life-saving tool, as well as other best practices that lead to successful outcomes during lead extraction procedures

WRAP-IT

The WRAP-IT trial looked at the use of an antibacterial envelope to prevent CIED infection in patients undergoing device implant.   Dr. Bruce Wilkoff and Dr. Thomas Callahan discuss special populations who are at specific risk for hematoma, who may benefit the most from the envelope during implant.