High pacing thresholds in epicardially implanted leads are a frequent issue in children
after cardiac surgery. In 2 infants, repeated revisions of non-steroid-eluting leads
were necessary. To avoid further frequent replacements, two epicardial ventricular
leads, one steroid-eluting and an additional fractally coated electrode as a pacing
“backup” were connected to the atrial and ventricular outlet of a DDD pacemaker, allowing
a comparison between two both electrodes. Showing no differences in long-term measurements,
both electrodes seem to provide a comparably high level of safety.
Congenital cardiac defects - Epicardial pacing - Fractally coated electrode - Steroid-eluting
electrode - Backup system
