Multidisciplinary management of video-assisted thoracoscopic left cardiac sympathetic denervation in a young child with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome.

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) via video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is an effective therapy for drug-refractory malignant arrhythmias in congenital long QT syndromes and requires meticulous perioperative planning in children with automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs). We describe what is likely the first paediatric VATS-LCSD performed in Pakistan. A boy in early childhood with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, severe QT prolongation and recurrent ventricular arrhythmias despite beta-blockade and mexiletine had received multiple AICD shocks. Intraoperative management focused on preventing electrocautery-induced AICD activation by applying a magnet to suspend antitachycardia therapies, using external defibrillation pads and ensuring continuous electrophysiology support. Anaesthesia incorporated sevoflurane, dexmedetomidine, cisatracurium and lidocaine, with one-lung ventilation achieved by intentional endobronchial tracheal tube placement. Thoracoscopic excision of the left sympathetic chain (T5-T1), including the lower stellate, was completed uneventfully. The child was extubated in the operating room and discharged the next day without complications.