Transvenous long-term pacing with an external pacemaker. What are the risks?
Externalized endocardial electrodes were used for pacing 138 patients for periods of one month to 12 years. In the 416 patient/years of pacing by this method, 13 septicemias occurred. Implanted pacemakers with endocardial electrodes were used in 1186 patients. In the 3488 patient/years 11 septicemias occurred. The mortality and an assessment of the cause of death for pacing by the two methods is presented. It is concluded that the external method of transvenous pacing carries additional risk and is only justified in special circumstances.
D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors