The Effects of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Personal Protective Equipment Use in Patients with Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Pediatric and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients encounter physical and emotional barriers. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) often compound these issues. Patient fear associated with damaging the CIED system can lead to avoidance of physical activity and reduced quality of life (QOL). CIED personal protective equipment (PPE) is a potential treatment for decreasing this fear. We sought to determine the effects of CIED PPE use in the pediatric and ACHD population. Patients 5 years or older with a CIED at a single pediatric and ACHD heart rhythm center received a CIED protector and customized athletic shirt. QOL was assessed using the PedsQL TM 4.0 SF15 prior to and after 6–12 months. Of the 77 patients enrolled, 26 completed repeat assessment. The mean age at enrollment was 15.6 years (range 5–36) with a mean device age of 2.2 years (< 1–10 years). Pacemakers were present in 77% and 23% had ICDs. The PPE was used in 92% with no PPE malfunction. Fear associated with physical activity was reduced, z = − 4, p < 0.001, with a large effect size (r = 0.55). There was a trend toward increased physical activity. Total QOL scores improved, z = − 2.771, P < 0.05, with a medium effect size (r = 0.4). This first study of CIED PPE in children shows that providing CIED PPE to pediatric and ACHD patients may decrease their fear of damaging their device system, increasing physical activity levels, and improving quality of life.