An implantation of DDD epicardial pacemaker through ministernotomy in a patient with a superior vena cava occlusion

Implantation of VVI epicardial pacemaker through mini-sternotomy in a patient with superior vena cava occlusion after radiotherapy

The paper presents a case report of a patient with a superior vena cava occlusion and post-operational (after the implantation of the aortic valve) atrioventricular block, which required constant stimulation. An epicardial VVI pacemaker was implanted through mini-sternotomy in the lower part of the previous operation field with very satisfactory stimulation parameters. Implantation of a screw-in epicardial lead is in some cases the method of choice, which provides efficient and constant heart stimulation.

Surgical implantation of a biventricular pacing system via lower half mini sternotomy

We present a case of surgical implantation of biventricular epicardial pacing leads and a defibrillating patch via lower half mini sternotomy. Although median sternotomy is routinely used for this purpose, lower half mini sternotomy could provide the surgeon with the same surgical field exposure and a faster post operative recovery.