Letter from the Section Editor: Pediatric Electrophysiology

DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2011.020307

George F. Van Hare, MD, FHRS, CCDS

Editor-in-Chief

Pediatric Electrophysiology

On behalf of Dr. John Day, the editorial board, and my section editor colleagues, I am honored to introduce you to the newly created Pediatric Electrophysiology section. The mission of the new section is to enhance the knowledge of the readers through the publication of timely manuscripts that examine effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for the management of children with cardiac arrhythmias, as well as adults with congenital heart disease.

There have been many developments within the field of pediatric electrophysiology over the years that have enhanced understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and given us new tools for treating arrhythmias in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatric electrophysiology is, and has always been, a field that relies on innovation. Because most technical advances and new developments by industry are directed at the adult market, by definition we have always had to be innovative in our efforts at adapting existing and emerging technologies to our particular challenges. These challenges are found in issues of heart size, the phenomenon of continued cardiac growth and development, higher levels of physical activity, and the complexities presented by repaired congenital heart disease. We are confident that the mission of this section will be accomplished by increasing collaborations on effective management strategies for our pediatric patients.

Within this issue is a featured pediatric electrophysiology contribution from Dr. Anne Dubin at the Stanford School of Medicine. In this elegantresearch article, Anne briefly discusses the evolution of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators from the pediatric perspective, and makes some trenchant predictions considering the likely directions of future innovation.

We hope that you enjoy the new Pediatric Electrophysiology section and greatly encourage your feedback.

George F. Van Hare, MD, FHRS, CCDS
E-mail: vanhare@kids.wustl.edu
Director, Pediatric Cardiology
Washington University
St. Louis Children’s Hospital,
St. Louis, MO