Transvenous pacing in pediatric patients with bipolar lumenless lead: Ten-year clinical experience.

INTRODUCTION: A number of challenges can affect long-term performance of endocardial implanted systems in pediatric patients. Select Secure™ lead offers potential advantages for this population. This analysis aims to evaluate long-term performance of this lead in children, with and without congenital heart disease.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients younger than 16years, implanted with at least one Select Secure™ lead at our institution, was performed. Clinical patient characteristics, electrical lead parameters, implant related complications, occurrence of surgical revisions and other complications were analyzed.

RESULTS: From 2006 to 2016, 40 pediatric patients (26 males; age: 10.3±4.6years) underwent a cardiac device implantation with at least one Select Secure™ lead. Axillary vein access was chosen in 77.5% of the procedures. The intra-atrial loop of the leads was successfully created and the generator was placed in a sub-pectoral pocket in all patients. A total of 57 Select Secure™ leads were implanted: 23 in the right atrium and 34 in the right ventricle. PM/ICDs implantation was uneventful in all 40 patients. One lead, dislodged the day after implantation, was successfully extracted and replaced in the same day. Adequate pacing parameters were achieved during a follow-up of 6±2.9years (range 0.9-10.8years).

CONCLUSIONS: In a pediatric population, the Select Secure™ lead used in the axillary vein, the creation of an intra-atrial loop and the placement of the generator in a sub-pectoral pocket ensured a safe implantation of pacemaker or ICD and an effective stimulation at medium-term follow-up.