Single midline approach for permanent pacemaker implantation in children.

Permanent pacemaker implantation was carried out in 12 children with a mean age of 1.4 years (range, 2 days to 4 years) and a mean weight of 8.6 kg (range, 2.4-13.6 kg), using a single midline approach for placement of both the epicardial lead and the pacemaker generator (intermuscular abdominal implantation). Platinized porous-tipped steroid-eluting epicardial leads were used in all patients. The pacemakers worked well, and there was no early postoperative complication. This technique was found to be rapid, simple, and safe in children, especially neonates and infants.