Long-term transvenous pacing in children weighing ten kilograms or less.

Long-term transvenous endocardial pacing was performed in 5 children each of whom weighed 10 kg or less at the time of implantation. At implantation, using the direct subclavian puncture method, no technical problems were encountered. During follow-up, complications occurred in two patients. In one child recurrent threshold rises were overcome using a steroid-eluting lead. Erosion of the unit in another child required revision of the system with a satisfactory long-term result. Thus, permanent transvenous pacing in small children is feasible and safe and may be preferable to open-chest surgery.