Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Non-Invasive Modulation and Robotic Mapping of Motor Cortex in the Developing Brain
Published on: July 1, 2019
Electrical device therapy in the paediatric population-age, indications, strategies and limitations
1Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S, Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy. mstefano.silvetti@opbg.net.
Insights
Electrical device therapy is effective for pediatric arrhythmias and heart conditions. Treatment requires careful adaptation to each child's age, size, and specific health needs for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Electrical device therapy is increasingly vital for pediatric patients with congenital and acquired arrhythmias and heart diseases.
- The application of these therapies in young patients presents unique challenges due to their growth and developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review evaluates the indications, strategies, and limitations of electrical device therapy in the pediatric population.
- It aims to provide updated recommendations and insights into pacing and defibrillation systems for young patients.
Main Methods:
- The review synthesizes information from recent guidelines and clinical data on electrical device therapy in children and adolescents.
- It compares different pacing (transvenous, epicardial) and defibrillation (transvenous, subcutaneous) system approaches.
Main Results:
- Electrical device therapy outcomes in pediatric patients are generally good, but complications are frequent.
- Pacing and defibrillation systems require longer durability in young patients compared to adults.
- Transvenous and epicardial pacing, along with transvenous and subcutaneous defibrillators, are key strategies.
Conclusions:
- Electrical device therapy is effective and safe for the pediatric population.
- Therapeutic approaches must be individualized based on patient age, size, and specific pathophysiology.
- Ongoing advancements in device systems continue to improve arrhythmia management in young individuals.
Background:
Electrical device therapy is increasingly used for paediatric patients with congenital and acquired arrhythmias and heart diseases.
Objectives:
This review evaluates the indications, strategies and limitations of this therapy in the young. Pacing and defibrillation systems in young patients should last longer than in adults. The paediatric population ranges from preterm newborns to young adults, and therefore recommendations and pacing strategies are variable. Recent guidelines have provided new and updated recommendations. Various systems have enhanced our ability to treat arrhythmias. Transvenous and epicardial pacing systems compete for primacy among children; transvenous and subcutaneous defibrillators among adolescents. Outcomes are good, but there are frequent complications.
Conclusion:
Electrical device therapy in the paediatric population is effective and safe, but it needs to be adapted to the age, size, and pathophysiology patients.
