Characteristics and Results of Epicardial Pacing in Neonates and Infants

34 neonates and infants (aged 1 day to 20 months, 22 patients < 1 month) with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). 30 had bradycardia < 50 beats/min (12 symptomatic), and 4 had associated ventricular ectopy or prolonged QT interval.

Epicardial pacing (electrodes implanted via left thoracotomy in 30 cases, subxyphoid approach in 4 cases, connected to an abdominal generator; 22 children received dual chamber units).

Operative mortality, late mortality, reoperation rates, pacing thresholds, and generator longevityhard clinical