title: Toward improved cosmetic results: a novel technique for the placement of a pacemaker or internal cardioverter/defibrillator generators in the axilla of young patients.
abstract: Surgical scars secondary to the placement of pacemakers or internal cardioverter/defibrillators in the infraclavicular area can be unsightly. This report describes a novel cosmetic approach for the placement of pacemakers or internal cardioverter/defibrillators. The approach involves a small infraclavicular incision for placement of the leads and then a larger incision hidden high up in the axilla. The theoretical advantages of this approach are improved cosmetic outcome, ease of subsequent surgeries for device generator changes, and potentially improved defibrillation thresholds.
authors.affiliation: The Children's Hospital, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. collins.kathryn@tchden.org
authors.forename: Kathryn K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Runciman
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Rausch
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Schaffer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000628:therapy; D001365:Axilla / Q000601:surgery*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000628:therapy