Extracorporeal life support as a treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

• Low cardiac output in children can stem from arrhythmias, posing a significant clinical challenge.
• Venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an option for severe cardiac dysfunction.
• Limited reports exist on ECLS for pediatric low cardiac output due to arrhythmias.

Observation:

• Two pediatric cases of cardiogenic shock secondary to intractable supraventricular tachycardia were managed.
• Venoarterial ECLS was initiated to provide hemodynamic support.
• Arrhythmia termination was observed immediately upon initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Findings:

• ECLS successfully stabilized both patients, resolving cardiogenic shock.
• In one case, ECLS facilitated optimization of antiarrhythmic drug therapy.
• In the second case, radiofrequency ablation was performed successfully while on ECLS.

Implications:

• ECLS is a viable and effective strategy for managing pediatric cardiogenic shock caused by supraventricular tachycardia.
• This approach allows for stabilization and definitive treatment of the underlying arrhythmia.
• Further research into ECLS for refractory pediatric arrhythmias is warranted.