Transvenous Pacing



Transvenous Pacing





Usually inserted in an emergency, a temporary pacemaker consists of an external, battery-powered pulse generator and a lead or electrode system. The purpose of a transvenous pacemaker is to maintain circulatory integrity by providing for standby pacing should sudden complete heart block ensue, to increase the heart rate during periods of symptomatic bradycardia and, occasionally, to control sustained supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.

In addition to being more comfortable for the patient, a transvenous pacemaker is more reliable than a transcutaneous pacemaker. Transvenous pacing involves threading an electrode catheter through a vein into the patient’s right atrium or right ventricle. Veins used for insertion include the subclavian, brachial, internal jugular, and femoral.1 The femoral site should be used as a last resort because it’s associated with an increased risk of infection. The electrode then attaches to an external pulse generator. As a result, the pulse generator can provide an electrical stimulus directly to the endocardium.

Indications for transvenous pacing include management of symptomatic bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, and other conduction system disturbances; it may also help diagnose conduction abnormalities.

According to the 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, pacing isn’t recommended in cardiac arrest.2




Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Transvenous Pacing

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access