Affiliation:
1. Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias Unit Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS Rome Italy
2. Epidemiology Unit Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS Rome Italy
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundThe stretching of the lead caused by somatic growth may lead to complications (dislodgement, fracture, failure) of transvenous leads implanted in pediatric patients. Atrial loop and absorbable ligatures may prevent it. Periodical lead advancement with lead pushing from the pocket may be an option to growth‐induced stretching. Our aim was to analyze retrospectively the outcome of periodical transvenous lead advancement in children with pacemaker (PM).MethodsA procedure of lead advancement was performed in patients with a single‐chamber PM implanted for isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block or sinus node dysfunction with growth‐induced lead straightening/stretching. The PM pocket was opened, the lead was released from subcutaneous adherences and was gently advanced to shape again a loop/semi‐loop in the atrium without dislodging the tip. Lead data (threshold, sensing, impedance) were compared before and after the procedure. Data are described as median (25th–75th centiles).Results14 patients with 13 VVIR and 1 AAIR PM implanted at 6.8 (5.9–8.0) years of age, 23 (19–26) kg, 118 (108–124) cm, underwent 30 advancement procedures, 1.5 (1.0–2.3) per patient, during follow‐up [45 (35–63) months]. Delta between procedures was: 18 (14–25) months, 11 (7–13) cm, 6 (4–9) kg; 90% of leads were successfully advanced without complications. Three unsuccessful procedures occurred with longer times [30 (14–37) months]. Electrical lead parameters did not show significant differences pre‐/post‐procedures.Conclusionthe advancement of transvenous leads in children seems safe and effective. This procedure may be another possible choice to preserve transvenous lead position and function until growth has completed.