Issue 16

R. Laczkó et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 16 (2011) 28-33; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.16.03 32 D AMAGES TO THE ELECTRODES he insulation of the electrode was damaged only once and not seriously. The scratch is not deep or long enough to prevent electric functioning (Fig. 10). However, the steroid ring was broken several times (Fig. 11). In the course of the experiments, the electrodes were in the tube only for a few minutes; implanted in vessels, they work for years and the steroid comes loose. This raises a question if an aged ring could lead to complications during explantation. To ensure greater security, another type of electrodes is recommended for use for stent implantation. Figure 10 : Damages to the electrode tip fixed with stent 2. Figure 11 : damaged steroid rings on electrodes fixed with stent 3 (left) and stent 4 (right). C ONCLUSIONS o damages were identified on the coating of the electrodes during microscopic examinations. The steroid ring peeled off from the tip of the electrode. It can cause complications only when the peeling is so substantial that the ring slips off and remains in the vessel during explantation. As regards design, stents with reservoirs may cause more problems during explantation. As regards length, shorter stents - 4. 3.5/10 mm and 5. 3.5/10 mm - are less suitable for fixation than longer ones. Stent implantation to stabilize the left ventricular lead with suitable stents is a useful and safe procedure in the treatment of CS lead instability. T N