Conclusions
We presented a case report of severed epicardial atrial lead salvage
using an IS-1 lead extender, in a 37-year-old patient with Fontan
palliation and failing Fontan physiology. Lead extenders can be used to
salvage severed pacemaker leads in patients for whom implantation of new
leads is not promptly feasible due to their anatomy and/or clinical
status. Bipolar IS-1 lead extenders can be used even if only the anode
of a severed lead is recoverable, with adequate unipolar sensing and
pacing. As the long-term durability of the repair that we present here
is unknown we do not recommend it for patients who are
pacemaker-dependent, or as a durable solution for any patient, but
rather as a temporizing intervention.