Transvenous permanent pacemaker implantation in dextrocardia: technique, challenges, outcome, and a brief review of literature

AIMS: Dextrocardia is a rare congenital anomaly. Pacemaker implantation in dextrocardia can be challenging because of the distorted anatomy and associated anomalies. The literature regarding implantation of pacemaker in dextrocardia is scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study involved retrospective analysis of records of patients with dextrocardia who had undergone pacemaker implantation between January 2006 and July 2013 from a single centre. Six patients with dextrocardia (five males and one female) underwent permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) between January 2006 and July 2013. Of them, three had situs solitus dextrocardia and three situs inversus dextrocardia. All three patients with situs solitus dextrocardia had associated corrected transposition of great arteries. The indication for pacemaker implantation was symptomatic complete atrioventricular (AV) block in four, high-grade AV block in one, and sinus node dysfunction in one patient. A favourable outcome was noted during a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (4 months to 7 years) with one patient needing a pulse generator replacement. CONCLUSION: Permanent pacemaker implantation in dextrocardia can be challenging because of the distorted anatomy. Use of a technique employing angiography to delineate chamber anatomy and relationship can assist the operator during such difficult PPIs. The medium- and long-term survival after a successful pacemaker implantation in dextrocardia is favourable.