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Pacemaker therapy in premature children with high degree AV block
B Nowak1, C Kampmann, F X Schmid
1II. Medical Clinic, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|January 23, 1999
Summary
This study reports the successful use of a novel pacemaker system in premature infants with AV block. The system demonstrated effective function, paving the way for future pediatric pacemaker research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Congenital atrioventricular block (AV block) can necessitate pacemaker implantation in premature infants.
- Traditional pacemaker systems have limitations in pediatric applications.
- Epicardial leads offer an alternative for lead placement in neonates and infants.
Observation:
- Two premature children with symptomatic AV block received implantation of the smallest pacemaker pulse generator and a steroid-eluting bipolar epicardial lead.
- The pacemaker system demonstrated stable capture thresholds.
- High amplitude evoked response electrograms were recorded.
Findings:
- The pacemaker's Autocapture algorithm functioned normally, adjusting output 0.3 V above the measured capture threshold.
- This marks the first reported use of the Autocapture algorithm with epicardial leads in pediatric patients.
- The system achieved normal pacemaker function in both patients.
Implications:
- This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of using epicardial leads with advanced pacemaker algorithms in premature infants.
- The findings suggest a potential for improved pacemaker management in neonates and young children.
- Further long-term studies are needed to confirm the durability and safety of this approach.