Intrapericardial Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in a Child

ABSTRACT

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be a crucial therapeutic modality for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and cardiomyopathy. Because transvenous implantation of ICD is mostly unfeasible for pediatric patients due to anatomical and technical limitations, epicardial patch type or subcutaneous type ICD have been used. Implantation of these alternative ICDs, however, was reported to be frequently associated with significant complications. We report a case of successful intrapericardial implantation of a single coil-type ICD through the transverse sinus in a 27 month-old child weighing lesser than 10 kg, and it was inferred from this experience that this alternative technique may decrease complications and morbidities after ICD implantation in children.