Use of single lead VDD pacing in children.

The development of transvenous ventricular pacing leads with proximal electrodes capable of atrial sensing and the recent availability of smaller generators has created the opportunity to treat children with complete AV block and normal sinus node function with a transvenous single lead VDD pacing system. Studies in adults have demonstrated this system to be efficacious with low complication rates. Transvenous single lead VDD pacemakers were implanted in ten children, aged 5-15 years, between December 1993 and April 1996, in our institution.

Transcatheter coil occlusion of surgical fenestration after Fontan operation.

Background: Fenestration of the Fontan circulation that results in a residual right-to-left shunt has improved operative survival rates among high-risk patients. Late closure of the fenestration by use of a transcatheter umbrella device has achieved separation of the systemic and pulmonary venous circulations, "completing" the Fontan pathway. Because use of umbrella devices is restricted, many institutions continue to perform only nonfenestrated Fontan procedures.

Initial experience with percutaneous transhepatic cardiac catheterization in infants and children.

Percutaneous transhepatic cardiac catheterization is a straightforward procedure that can be performed by experienced pediatric interventionalists with little additional training. We believe that this technique can be a valuable tool in the treatment of selected patients with complex congenital heart defects.

Malignant wide complex tachycardia after adenosine administration to a postoperative pediatric patient with congenital heart disease.

Adenosine has become the treatment of choice for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia because of its safety and efficacy. There have been no reports of malignant arrhythmias occurring after adenosine administration. This case report presents the occurrence of a malignant wide complex tachycardia after intravenous adenosine administration in a 10-year-old boy 2 days after a Fontan procedure.