Innominate artery injury during routine laser assisted lead extraction

Laser assisted lead extraction is a relatively safe procedure; however, it is an invasive procedure which could involve significant increase in morbidity and mortality associated with risk of concomitant arterial and venous injuries. We report a 69-year-old patient sustained an iatrogenic perforation to subclavian vein and transection of the innominate artery during laser lead extraction, necessitated commencing cardiopulmonary bypass and repair of the injuries.