Cosmetic outcomes and quality of life in children with cardiac implantable electronic devices

Abstract

Background Axillary implant location is an alternative implant location in patients for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) for the purposes of improved cosmetic outcome. The impact from the patient's perspective is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare scar perception scores and quality of life (QOL) in pediatric patients with axillary CIED implant location versus the standard infraclavicular approach. Methods This is a multicenter prospective study conducted at eight pediatric centers and it includes patients aged from 8 to 18 years with a CIED. Patients with prior sternotomy were excluded. Scar perception and QOL outcomes were compared between the infraclavicular and axillary implant locations. Results A total of 141 patients (83 implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD]/58 pacemakers) were included, 55 with an axillary device and 86 with an infraclavicular device. Patients with an ICD in the axillary position had better perception of scar appearance and consciousness. Patients in the axillary group reported, on average, a total Pediatric QOL Inventory score that was 6 (1, 11) units higher than the infraclavicular group, after adjusting for sex and race (P = 0.02). Conclusions QOL is significantly improved in axillary in comparison to the infraclavicular CIED position, regardless of device type. Scar perception is improved in patients with ICD in the axillary position.

Wireless, battery-free, fully implantable multimodal and multisite pacemakers for applications in small animal models

“…In current technology, the pacemaker battery makes up the majority of the device size and weight. This often results in a largely visible device that sits on the upper chest that causes significant amount of dissatisfaction and even reoperation for many patients around the world 38,39 . Even recently approved leadless pacing systems, which lack a traditional pacemaker box, still require battery power and periodic replacement 40 .…”

Passive and Flexible Wireless Electronics Fabricated on Parylene/PDMS Substrate for Stimulation of Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

“…However, the currently approved leadless pacemakers still require using batteries, which limits their chronic applications. Additionally, recurring surgeries are required for battery replacement. , …”

“…Additionally, recurring surgeries are required for battery replacement. 5,6 Electrical stimulation has also been used for cardiac tissue maturation in vitro. 7−11 Electrical stimulation for enhanced maturation of engineered heart tissues was first performed by Radisic et al 12 In that study, 8 days of electrical stimulation resulted in cell alignment and coupling along with ultrastructural organization in the engineered cardiac tissues derived from neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs).…”