Transoesophageal cardiac pacing.
An elderly patient, whilst undergoing anaesthesia for a total hip replacement, developed a marked bradydysrhythmia suggestive of sick sinus syndrome. The heart rate was unaffected by atropine 1.2 mg administered intravenously. Cardiac pacing was achieved by means of a non-invasive transoesophageal pacemaking catheter. The simplicity of this technique although temporary, is ideal for emergencies.
D000368:Aged; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000628:therapy