Micra leadless pacemaker retrieval in a pediatric patient

Percutaneous jugular leadless pacemaker implantation in a pediatric patient

INTRODUCTION

Leadless cardiac pacing has not been widely utilized in pediatric patients, in part due to concerns regarding size of the delivery sheath and the potential for vascular injury.

METHODS

We present a case of leadless pacemaker implantation via internal jugular vein without a surgical cutdown.

RESULTS

A leadless pacemaker was successfully implanted in the right ventricle via internal jugular approach in a pediatric patient with congenital heart disease.

CONCLUSION

This is a novel approach to leadless pacemaker implantation that could broaden the utilization of this technology to the vulnerable population of children, especially those with congenital heart disease.

Pediatric Micra leadless pacemaker implantation via internal jugular and femoral veins: experience with 11 patients

In pediatrics, conventional transvenous and epicardial pacemaker systems carry complications, such as lead distortion due to growth and activity, in addition to lead and pocket complications. A retrospective review of pediatric leadless pacing at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital (MN, USA) from 2018 through 2021 was performed. Diagnoses, rationale for pacing, demographics, pacing thresholds and longevity of devices were recorded. Twelve leadless pacemaker insertions and one removal were performed successfully in patients weighing 19-90 kg. Six patients had Micra implantation via the internal jugular vein without surgical cut-down. Up to 3 years of follow-up were noted, with median follow-up of 22 months. No late complications occurred. Leadless pacemaker implantation and early retrieval were feasible in pediatric patients.