Noninvasive temporary pacemakers.
Temporary transcutaneous pacing involves passing a variable current across the chest wall synchronized to sensed electrical signals. We evaluated two systems, the Cardio-Aid and Pace-Aid both in routine, and emergency use. The Cardio-Aid was tested on 12 patients (9 routine and 3 emergency) and the Pace-Aid was tested alone in 4 patients (2 emergency and 2 routine). Both systems were tested on a further 7 patients (2 emergency and 5 routine). Overall, successful pacing was achieved in 3 out of 19 patients with the Cardio-Aid (1 emergency) and in 4 out of 11 patients with the Pace-Aid (3 emergency). The maximum current used was limited by the degree of pain experienced. These data suggest that the benefit derived from transcutaneous pacing is limited. The pain experienced by patients may be diminished by appropriate analgesics and sedation, thereby allowing a greater pacemaker output particularly in an emergency situation.
Gould
B A
BA
Department of Cardiology, Greenbank Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, UK.
Marshall
A J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000628:therapy; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000628:therapy