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New cardiac technology available in the Metro East

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Dr. Michael Hushion, Prairie Cardiovascular electrophysiologist, performed the first laser lead extraction recently at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. (Provided photo)

 

Laser lead extraction now available for pacemaker and defibrillator leads

On Nov. 17, 2025, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital performed its first laser lead extraction. This innovative, specialized heart procedure is used to safely remove old or damaged wires, called “leads,” from a patient’s pacemaker or defibrillator.

The first laser lead extraction at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was performed by Prairie Cardiovascular Electrophysiologist Dr. Michael Hushion.

“Laser lead extraction is a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to update or replace life-saving heart devices while protecting the patient’s heart and minimizing risk,” said Dr. Hushion. “Being able to perform this procedure at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital means patients can receive this specialized care close to home, without needing to travel into St. Louis.”

Leads are the wires that deliver energy from a patient’s pacemaker or defibrillator to their heart to help maintain a steady heart rhythm. After the initial pacemaker is implanted, scar tissue forms and builds gradually, securing the lead in place. Over time, these leads can stop working properly or may need to be replaced due to infection, breakage or device upgrades.

“By removing damaged or infected leads, patients can experience improved device performance, which supports better heart rhythm management and overall cardiac function,” Dr. Hushion further noted. “Removing these leads also eliminates potential sources of infection.”

With laser lead extraction, a cardiac electrophysiologist uses a thin, laser-powered sheath that gently breaks down scar tissue surrounding the lead so it can be removed without pulling on the heart. This technology allows for precise, controlled extraction and is considered the safest and most effective method for difficult or long-standing leads.

For more information about HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, visit steliz.org.

About HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, celebrating 150 years of serving the Metro East area, is part of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to its Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Ill., HSHS colleagues provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in central and southern Illinois, and eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular, its partnership with Prevea Health, and with many other providers serving on medical staffs. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.  
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