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.