[Implantation of an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator in small children--two case reports]

Implantation of an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in children may be challenging due to the increased risk of periprocedural and long-term complications. ICD was implanted in two boys with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aged 6 and 9 years, with of a body weight of 20 and 25 kg, respectively. In one patient an ICD was implanted due to a history of ventricular fibrillation whereas the second patient underwent prophylactic ICD implantation due to a family history of sudden cardiac death. No short- or mid-term complications were recorded. Difficulties and risks of ICD implantation in children are discussed.