# First Confirmed Case of Leadless Pacemaker Insertion via Bidirectional Glenn Shunt in Ebstein's Anomaly: A Novel Approach to Pacing Challenges

**Authors:** Robert S. Doyle, Hugo C. Temperley, Cian Murray, Kevin Walsh

PMC · DOI: 10.1111/jce.70165 · Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology · 2025-10-28

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first successful insertion of a leadless pacemaker via a Glenn shunt in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly, offering a safer alternative to traditional pacing methods.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel approach to pacemaker implantation in complex congenital heart disease using a bidirectional Glenn shunt.

## Key findings

- Leadless pacemaker insertion via the Glenn shunt achieved stable pacing thresholds and proper device positioning.
- The procedure avoided transvenous lead complications and preserved right ventricular function.

## Abstract

Ebstein's anomaly presents unique pacing challenges due to complex anatomy and surgical history, often leading to transvenous lead complications.

A 28‐year‐old male with Ebstein's anomaly, prior Danielson tricuspid valve repair, and bidirectional Glenn shunt presented with acute ventricular pacing loss from dislodgment of a 4 French SelectSecure Medtronic 3830 lead into the left upper lobe pulmonary artery. An urgent procedure involved inserting an Abbott AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker via the Glenn shunt to the right ventricular apex, achieving stable thresholds (pacing threshold 0.5 V at 0.4 ms, R‐wave 8 mV). Multimodal imaging (radiographs, fluoroscopy, angiography, echocardiography) confirmed device position and preserved right ventricular function.

This first confirmed case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of leadless pacemaker insertion via Glenn shunt in complex congenital heart disease, providing a durable alternative to transvenous systems prone to dislodgment.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Ebstein's anomaly (MONDO:0009144)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** congenital heart disease (MESH:D006330), Ebstein's Anomaly (MESH:D004437)

## Full text

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## Figures

8 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12614127/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12614127/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12614127