Evaluation of Performance & Complications of pacemakers in children; A single center study

Abstract

Background: Permanent pacing is now a common treatment strategy used to treat rhythm abnormalities in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to assess the outcome, effectiveness, and complications of permanent pacemakers.

Between March 2020 and February 2021, a total of 148 participants with permanent cardiac pacing were enrolled in the study. Their charts were reviewed pro- and retrospectively for anthropometric measurements, pacing indications, pacing measurements and pacing complications. Their mean age was 4.26 ± 3.56 years, their mean weight 16.38 ± 10.18 kg. There were 83 males (56.1%) and 65 females (43.9%). Post operative AV block was the most common pacing indication followed by congenital AV block. The majority of patients were paced using VVIR (ventricular pacing, ventricular sensing, inhibition response and rate adaptive) mode devices in 146 patients (98.6%). DDDR (dual chamber pacing, dual chamber sensing, dual chamber response and rate adaptive) mode device was used in 2 patients (1.35%). Endocardial pacing was done in 136 patients while epicardial pacing was done in 12 patients. During intensified follow up, lead failure related complications were detected in 8 patients (7.2 %). Lead failure related complications has occurred in 33.3 % of epicardial leads and in 4 % of endocardial leads  

Conclusion: our findings suggest that endocardial pacing is associated with lower rates of lead related problems compared to epicardial pacing.