Published in:
01-11-2009 | Case Report
Toward Improved Cosmetic Results: A Novel Technique for the Placement of a Pacemaker or Internal Cardioverter/Defibrillator Generators in the Axilla of Young Patients
Authors:
Kathryn K. Collins, Martin Runciman, Christopher M. Rausch, Michael S. Schaffer
Published in:
Pediatric Cardiology
|
Issue 8/2009
Login to get access
Abstract
Surgical scars secondary to the placement of pacemakers or internal cardioverter/defibrillators in the infraclavicular area can be unsightly. This report describes a novel cosmetic approach for the placement of pacemakers or internal cardioverter/defibrillators. The approach involves a small infraclavicular incision for placement of the leads and then a larger incision hidden high up in the axilla. The theoretical advantages of this approach are improved cosmetic outcome, ease of subsequent surgeries for device generator changes, and potentially improved defibrillation thresholds.