External Pacemaker

Product Details:

Temporary pacing in the emergency and critical care area can be a lifesaving intervention if used appropriately. The majority of patients will require short-term pacing support for heart block or significant bradycardia that results in hemodynamic compromise. Stable rhythms in patients without hemodynamic compromise, e.g., a normotensive patient with high-degree heart block, can usually be safely observed as underlying conditions are treated before pacing is instituted. In the emergency situation, pacing capture can be accomplished externally (transcutaneous), with internal (endocardial) leads, epicardial leads placed intraoperatively, or even transesophageal (left atrial pacing only) while anesthetized. This chapter will review the common approach of bedside temporary pacemaker use as well as potential complications. Transvenous pacing lead insertion can be associated with significant morbidity.