Runaway pacemaker inhibited by external overdrive stimulation: a case report.
A case is described of runaway pacemaker ( Stimulith ) which could be inhibited by external chest-wall overdrive. This pulse generator had been implanted for four years before runaway occurred; the runaway rate was 140/min with capture of the ventricles. Using external chest-wall stimulation at a rate of 170/min, we were able to achieve almost complete inhibition of the faulty generator, while preparing for emergency replacement.
D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy