Emergent permanent pacemaker implantation in a premature 1,502 g neonate

We report a case of an emergent pacemaker implantation in a 1,502 g preterm neonate immediately after birth due to congenital complete atrioventricular block. At a gestational age of 29 weeks the patient was delivered by cesarean section followed by unsuccessful drug treatment of the atrioventricular block. Sixty-five minutes after birth the patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Through a subxyphoid approach, a lead was fixed to the epicardium of the right ventricle, and connected to a pulse generator inserted between the rectus abdominus muscle and posterior rectus sheath. The patient is alive and well 16 months after the operation without pacemaker failure.