[Permanent cardiac pacing in children. Personal experience].

Pacemaker implantation was performed in 26 children aged from 5 months to 15 years (mean 4.6). The indications for pacemaker implantation were: sick sinus syndrome in 4 patients, III degrees idiopathic A-V block in 2 both with congenital heart disease and III degrees post-op. A-V block in 20 patients. 34 pacemakers produced by seven different companies were implanted. Epicardial electrode was used in all but one patient in whom endocardial electrode was introduced. Demand for impulse voltage was 2.4-5.2 V (mean 4.4 V), impulse duration was from 0.25 ms to 1.65 ms (mean 0.62 ms). Three out of 26 pts. (11.5%) died (1-intraoperative bleeding, 1-ventricular rhythm disturbances, 1-sudden death). In seven children first exchange of the pacemaker (one for mechanic damage and 6 for exhausted batteries) was performed mean 4.3 years after previous implantation. In two children second battery exchange was necessary mean 7.5 years after previous (both exhausted batteries). In five children a damaged epicardial electrodes were exchanged (21%).