Superior vena cava stenting and transvenous pacemaker implantation (stent and pace) after the Mustard operation

The Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries is associated with good long-term survival. Typical complications at follow-up include progressive loss of sinus node function requiring permanent pacemaker implantation, and systemic venous pathway obstruction often precluding a transvenous approach to pacing. We report on 7 patients (median age 14.1; range 5–19) with bradyarrhythmia requiring permanent pacemaker implantation with associated stenosis (n = 6) or occlusion (n = 1) of the superior vena cava, in whom stent implantation relieved the obstruction and facilitated subsequent transvenous permanent pacing. In five of them stenting and pacemaker implantation were performed during a single procedure; two patients underwent elective pacemaker implantation 6 weeks later. In one patient the pacemaker had to be explanted due to pacemaker pocket infection. In the others the follow-up has been uneventful, with excellent chronic pacing thresholds and appropriate sensing. Two patients have had their generator replaced electively.