What we do
A pacemaker or defibrillator is connected to the heart by one or more leads. Over time these leads become scarred into the veins and heart, so removing them safely needs specialist training, equipment and a full cardiac theatre team.
Device infection
The most common reason for extraction. The body cannot fully clear the infection until all of the device and leads are removed.
Faulty or unneeded leads
Broken or malfunctioning leads, blocked veins, or leads that need to come out to allow an MRI scan, an operation or cancer treatment.
Complex extraction
Melbourne Private Hospital and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, co-located in Parkville, are the only centres in Victoria to offer lead extraction services, and VELMAS is the highest-volume lead extraction service in Australia.
Where procedures take place
Almost all extraction procedures are performed at The Royal Melbourne Hospital or Melbourne Private Hospital. Patients are referred from all over Victoria and Tasmania, as well as other States and Territories.
For all but the lowest-risk cases, extraction takes place in a cardiac operating theatre with a cardiac surgeon and team standing by.
- >95%of leads completely removed
- MPH / RMHVictoria's only accredited extraction service
- No gapfor A/Prof Wynn's inpatient services
Referrals and enquiries
Consulting rooms
Suite 21, Private Medical Centre
Melbourne Private Hospital
1F Royal Parade
Parkville, Victoria 3052
Phone (03) 9035 4759
Fax (03) 8579 4445
Email extraction@velmas.au
Referrals should be addressed to A/Prof Gareth Wynn. Patients with questions about their procedure are welcome to contact our administrator, Casie Samantzis.