Interventional Laser-assisted Extraction of an Infected Trapped Ventriculoatrial Shunt Based on Techniques for Pacemaker Lead Explantation.

We present a case of successful interventional laser-assisted extraction of an endovascularly trapped long-term implanted ventriculoatrial shunt in a patient with shunt-associated septicemia. This approach is based on modified techniques for explantation of pacemaker leads and might be considered an additional option for extraction of otherwise nonremovable trapped endovascular catheters in experienced centers.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of polymer-derived ceramics for pacemaker electrode applications.

Ceramics are known to be chemically stable, and the possibility to electrically dope polymer-derived ceramics makes it a material of interest for implantable electrode applications. We investigated cytotoxic characteristics of four polymer-derived ceramic candidates with either electrically conductive or insulating properties. Cytotoxicity was assessed by culturing C2C12 myoblast cells under two conditions: by exposing them to material extracts and by putting them directly in contact with material samples. Cell spreading was optically evaluated by comparing microscope observations immediately after the materials insertion and after 24 h culturing. Cell viability (MTT) and mortality (LDH) were quantified after 24-h incubation in contact with the materials. Comparison was made with biocompatible positive references (alumina, platinum, biocompatible stainless steel 1.4435), negative references (latex, stainless steel 1.4301) and controls (no material present in the culture wells). We found that the cytotoxic properties of tested ceramics are comparable to established reference materials. These ceramics, which are reported to be very stable, can be microstructured and electrically doped to a wide range of conductivity and are thus excellent candidates for implantable electrode applications including pacemakers.