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[Permanent pacing in childhood: a review of 11 years of experience]
Insights
Permanent pacemaker implantation in children is safe and effective, with most patients experiencing symptom-free outcomes. Advances in pacemaker technology and surgical techniques reduce complications, improving long-term results for pediatric patients with brady-dysrhythmia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Permanent pacemaker implantation in pediatric patients presents unique challenges.
- Long-term outcomes and complication rates require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review an eleven-year experience with permanent pacemaker implantation and follow-up in the pediatric age group.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and complications associated with pediatric pacemaker implantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 16 children (neonate to 14 years) who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation.
- Analysis of clinical, electrocardiographic, pacing mode, and technical implantation data.
- Follow-up evaluation of pacemaker function and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen out of sixteen children had normofunctioning pacemakers and were symptom-free post-implantation.
- One death occurred due to an unrelated cardiac defect.
- Eight children required 11 reinterventions for generator or electrode issues, with a reintervention interval of 28.2 months.
Conclusions:
- Permanent pacemaker implantation in children can achieve favorable long-term outcomes.
- Improvements in pacemaker technology and implantation techniques are crucial for reducing morbidity.
- Careful patient selection and surgical expertise are vital for successful pediatric pacemaker management.
Study Objective:
To review our eleven year experience in the implantation and follow-up of permanent Pacemakers in the paediatric age group.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Setting:
Children submitted to permanent cardiac Pacing implantation and accompanied in the Pacing Center of the Hospital de Santa Maria.
Patients:
Children from both sexes, aged from neonate to 14 years old, with brady-dysrhythmia and indication for permanent cardiac Pacing implantation.
Material And Methods:
From November 1980 to September 1991, 16 children had permanent Pacemaker implantation. We describe the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the population, mode of Pacing used, technical data from the implantation and evolution.
Results:
One children died due to associated cardiac defect not related to the Pacemaker. The other 15 children remain in follow-up with normofunctioning Pacemakers and free of symptoms. We had to perform 11 reinterventions in 8 children due to generator or electrode problems (28,2 months reintervention interval).
Conclusions:
Improvements in Pacemaker technology and a careful technique of implantation can significantly reduce the morbidity associated to permanent pacemaker implantation in this age group.