Epicardial atrial pacemaker lead placement after multiple cardiac operations.
We describe a simple technique for the implantation of left atrial epicardial pacing leads in children with congenital heart disease who have undergone multiple operations. The pulmonary veins are exposed to reveal the pulmonary venous to atrial confluence using a left thoracotomy. A pacemaker lead is secured to the posterior left atrium inferior to the lower pulmonary vein. This approach provides a reliable site for atrial lead placement without the need for extensive dissection.
Kucharczuk
J C
JC
Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Cohen
M I
MI
Rhodes
L A
LA
Karl
T R
TR
Spray
T L
TL
Gaynor
J W
JW
D002648:Child; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D006325:Heart Atria; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D010496:Pericardium; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011667:Pulmonary Veins; D012086:Reoperation