[Pacemaker implants in children].

Complications and lethality related to pacemaker implants performed to 32 infants and children at a public cardiovascular center of Santiago, Chile, from december 1979 throughout december 1989 were retrospectively assessed. Indications for pacemaker implants were complete congenital atrioventricular block (n = 22; 69%), and post-surgical arrhythmias (n = 10; 31%). Replacement of pulse generator was necessary in 9 children after an average time of 5.5/12 years from the initial implant. Electrode fractures were detected in 4 cases of pacemaker's failure and raised stimulation threshold in one of such patients. Four patients of this series died along follow-up, only one death occurred in the immediate post-operatory period. The other 3 cases died several months after surgery due to causes not related to the pacemakers. The remaining 28 children are in good physical and emotional conditions.