Rapid ventricular pacing for catheter interventions in congenital aortic stenosis and coarctation: effectiveness, safety, and rate titration for optimal results.

Introduction: Infants and children with congenital aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta can be treated by catheter intervention. There are several pharmacological and mechanical techniques described to overcome the balloon movement; none, however, have proved entirely satisfactory. An alternative method to achieve balloon stability is the use of rapid ventricular pacing. We describe our experience with titrating the pacing rate and the use of this technique.
Methods: A retrospective review of database was performed, to identify patients who underwent transcatheter intervention with rapid ventricular pacing. Invasive systemic pressures were documented with a catheter in the aorta. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated at the rate of 180 per minute and increased by increments of 20 per minute to a rate required to achieve a drop in systemic pressure by 50% and a drop in pulse pressure by 25%. The balloon was inflated only after the desired pacing rate was reached. Pacing was continued until the balloon was completely deflated.
Results: Thirty patients were identified, 29 of whom had interventions with rapid ventricular pacing. Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve was performed on 25 patients while 4 patients had stenting for coarctation by this technique. The rate of ventricular pacing required ranged from 200 to 260 per minute with a median rate of 240. Balloon stability at the time of intervention was achieved in 27 patients.
Conclusion: Rapid ventricular pacing is a safe and effective method to provide transient decrease in cardiac output at the time of transcatheter interventions to achieve balloon stability.