Europace Advance Access published online on August 13, 2008
Europace, doi:10.1093/europace/eun214
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Epicardial and pleural lead ICD systems in children and adolescents maintain functionality over 5 years
1 Division of Paediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland; 2 Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Aims: The optimal implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system implant technique has not yet been defined in young patients and those with congenital heart disease (CHD). We describe our 5-year experience with epicardial pacing/sensing leads secured on the left cardiac chambers and a pleural defibrillation lead insertion along the third intercostal space.
Methods and results: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems were implanted in 15 children and adolescents (age: 2.9–20.0 years) for primary (n = 11) or secondary (n = 4) prevention. Underlying CHD were hypertrophic (n = 10) or dilative cardiomyopathies (n = 2), primary electrical diseases (n = 2), and transposition of the great arteries (n = 1). Devices were placed in the rectus sheath (n = 5), or within the diaphragm (n = 10). Median defibrillation threshold at implant was 15 J (range: 10–25). During 5 years of follow-up (median: 22 months), nine appropriate and two inappropriate ICD discharges occurred. Four system revisions were required due to device recall, pleural lead dislodgement, epicardial lead fracture, and insulation break. Twelve months after the implantation, defibrillation threshold testing demonstrated stable thresholds of 
20 J in five patients.
Conclusion: Our 5-year experience demonstrates the efficacy of epicardial and pleural lead ICD systems. Inappropriate shocks and lead failures are observed as in other ICD systems. It represents an alternative implant technique for young and active patients and those without venous access.
Key Words: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator, Congenital heart disease, Implantation technique, Paediatric
* Corresponding author. Tel: +41 44 2667519; fax: +41 44 2667981. E-mail address: maren.tomaske{at}kispi.uzh.ch
Manuscript submitted 25 May 2008. Accepted after revision 25 July 2008.