Anesthetic Management at Implantation of Permanent Pacemaker for Newborn with Congenital Complete Heart Block

Complete atrioventricular heart block is defined as non-conduction of electrical impulses from atria to ventricles. Atrial pace, independent from ventricles, is higher. Complete atrioventricular heart block begins at intrauterin life in newborns and it is called congenital complete heart block. Heart rate is the most important factor determining cardiac output among children and especially newborns. Newborns with congenital complete heart block have lower heart rate (<60 beat/min) and carry heart failure risk.  Heart block is usually irreversible and affected newborns require permanent cardiac pacemaker from first week of their life. Understanding cardiovascular pathophysiology and knowing therapeutic approaches to congenital complete heart block are very important during perioperative management of these patients. In this case report we discussed general anesthetic management during implantation of permanent pacemaker for a newborn with congenital complete heart block.   Key Words: Anesthesia; Heart block; Newborn.