Intrathoracic Implantation of a Dual-Chamber Pacemaker in a Preterm Infant with Congenital AV Block

Abstract

Congenital complete atrioventricular block can be concomitant with congenital heart diseases or maternal connective tissue disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome. Such patients may require implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to ventricular dysfunction. While many methods of pacemaker implantation have been tested, one that is optimal for low birth weight infants remains to be determined. We present a preterm infant with maternal Sjögren's syndrome with congenital heart block and describe the technique for implantation of an intrathoracic dual-chamber pacemaker.