Percutaneous epicardial placement of a prototype miniature pacemaker under direct visualization: An infant porcine chronic survival study

Rohan N. Kumthekar, Justin D. Opfermann, Paige Mass, Bradley C. Clark, Jeffrey P. Moak, Elizabeth D. Sherwin, Teresa Whitman, Mark Marshall, Charles I. Berul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Pacemaker implantation in infants typically consists of surgical epicardial lead placement with an abdominal generator. Here, we describe the chronic performance of our minimally invasive prototype miniature pacemaker implanted under direct visualization in an immature porcine model. Methods: Twelve piglets underwent miniature pacemaker implantation. A self-anchoring two-channel access port was inserted into a 1 cm incision in the subxiphoid space, and a thoracoscope was inserted into the main channel to visualize the thoracic cavity under insufflation. The pacemaker leadlet was inserted through a sheath via secondary channel and affixed against the epicardium using a helical side-biting electrode. The miniature pacemaker was tucked into the incision, which was sutured closed. Ventricular sensing, leadlet impedance, and capture thresholds were measured biweekly. A limited necropsy was performed after euthanasia. Results: Nine piglets were followed for a median of 78 (IQR 52-82) days and gained 6.6 ± 3.2 kg. Three animals were censored from the analysis due to complications unrelated to the procedure. Capture thresholds rose above maximal output after a median of 67 (IQR 40-69) days. At termination, there was a significant decrease in R-wave amplitude (P =.03) and rise in capture thresholds at 0.4 ms (P =.01) and 1.0 ms pulse widths (P =.02). There was no significant change in leadlet impedance (P =.74). There were no wound infections. Conclusions: There were no infections following minimally invasive implantation of our prototype miniature pacemaker. Improvements to epicardial fixation are necessary to address diminished leadlet efficacy over time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-99
Number of pages7
JournalPACE - Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Keywords

  • epicardial
  • miniature pacemaker
  • minimally invasive
  • pediatric
  • porcine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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