What is temporary pacing?
Temporary pacing is a short-term method used to control a patient’s heart rhythm when the heart beats too slowly or irregularly. A pacing wire or catheter delivers electrical impulses to stimulate the heart until a more permanent solution can be provided or until the condition resolves on its own.
Who might be a candidate for temporary pacing?
- Patients with symptomatic bradycardia (slow heart rate) that requires urgent intervention.
- Individuals awaiting permanent pacemaker implantation.
- Patients recovering from cardiac surgery or heart procedures who develop rhythm issues.
- Those with medication-induced heart block or reversible causes of slow heart rhythm.
What to expect during temporary pacing
- The pacing lead is typically inserted through a vein (such as the femoral, jugular, or subclavian vein).
- It is guided into the heart using imaging or electrocardiographic monitoring.
- The device may be external (transvenous) or applied to the chest wall in emergencies (transcutaneous).
- Sedation or local anesthesia is often used, depending on the method.
- Temporary pacing is monitored closely in a hospital setting, typically in an intensive care or cardiac unit.
What are the risks of temporary pacing?
- Infection at the insertion site or bloodstream infection.
- Bleeding or damage to the vein during insertion.
- Dislodgement or malfunction of the pacing wire.
- Irritation or damage to heart tissue, especially with prolonged use.
- Discomfort with external pacing methods, particularly transcutaneous pacing.
Recovery from temporary pacing
- Patients are monitored continuously for rhythm stability.
- The pacing site is checked regularly for signs of infection or bleeding.
- Leads are typically removed once a permanent device is implanted or the underlying issue resolves.
- Recovery depends on the patient’s overall condition and the reason for pacing.
- Patients may need additional cardiac workup before discharge.
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