A Single Institution Experience with Pacemaker Implantation in a Pediatric Population over 25 Years

Objective: To assess the safety of pacemaker implantation in children, to review old and new indications, and to point out changes of management over time. Patients and Methods: Between 1984 and 2009, 181 patients required the implantation of a pacemaker or an ICD device at the Heart and Diabetes Centre in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. Their charts have been reviewed pro- and retrospectively for indications, complications, longevity of the device, and the natural course. Results: Indications have been high-degree atrioventricular block in 65% (postoperative 55%) and sinus node dysfunction in 24% (postoperative 90%), including three patients with vasovagally mediated significant bradycardia. Eleven percent required the implantation of an ICD device secondary to significant ventricular arrhythmias. The indication was class II in one-third of all patients. Complications requiring revision occurred in six patients (3.3%); one of them required removal of the device due to an infection. Ten patients died, but none related to pacemaker implantation. Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation even in young pediatric patients is generally safe. No complication led to the death of a patient. The number of class II indications has been increasing. The future aim is to improve pediatric algorithms and to prevent unnecessary pacing. (PACE 2010; 33:1112-1118).