Long-Term Experience With Autocapture (R)-Controlled Epicardial Pacing In Children

Aims To examine the feasibility and safety of AutoCapture (AC)-controlled pacing with epicardial leads in children, and study the effects on device longevity. Methods A total of 62 children were prospectively enrolled. Pre-discharge testing precluded AC function in six children. In 56 (90%) children, devices with AC-controlled pacing were followed up to 9 years. Calculated battery Life in AC-controlled pacing was compared with theoretical calculations, using a two-fold stimulation output of measured thresholds. Results In 53 of 56 children, no differences were observed for evoked response signals (13.3 vs. 11.5 mV, P = 0.20) or lead polarization safety margins (5.5 vs. 4.1, P = 0.25) at 6-month and 4-year follow-up. A crossover to conventional pacing was required in 3 of 56 children. AC-controlled pacing prolonged the calculated battery Life up to 15% for the identity and integrity devices with 0.95 A h capacity, compared with theoretical conventional settings (P = 0.008). In patients with ventricular pacing thresholds > 1.5 V at 0.5 ms, battery life was increased by 30% compared with theoretical conventional settings (P < 0.001). Conclusion AC-controlled pacing with epicardial leads is feasible and safe in children during long-term follow-up. An adequate lead polarization safety margin persists in most patients. Calculated battery life was prolonged up to 15% with AC-controlled pacing. Patients with high or fluctuating pacing thresholds benefit the most.