Temporary Pacemaker
When the heart beats dangerously slowly, a temporary pacemaker takes over until the cause is dealt with. A thin wire is passed through a vein into the heart and connected to a small box outside the body. It is a holding measure, not a permanent one, and it is usually placed as an emergency.
- Placed within minutes when needed
- Local anaesthetic only
- Removed once the rhythm recovers
- Monitored continuously while in place
Stay
Inpatient, until the rhythm recovers
Duration
About 30 minutes to place
Anaesthesia
Local
About Temporary Pacemaker
A temporary pacemaker is used when the heart's own electrical system is failing to keep an adequate rate, most often after a heart attack, because of a drug effect, or during a severe infection. The wire enters through a vein in the neck or groin and sits in the right ventricle. The generator stays outside the body, which is what makes it temporary. Once the underlying problem resolves, the wire is removed. If the rhythm does not recover, a permanent pacemaker is discussed.
- A wire inside, a generator outside the body
- For hours or days, not months
- Removed once the heart's own rhythm returns
- May lead to a permanent pacemaker if it does not
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about temporary pacemaker. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest temporary pacemaker.
- Dangerously slow heart rate causing dizziness or collapse
- Complete heart block, often after a heart attack
- Slow rhythm caused by medication or electrolyte disturbance
- Support during certain cardiac procedures
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Preparation at the bedside
The area at the neck or groin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. Monitoring is already running.
Placing the wire
The wire is passed through a vein and guided into the right side of the heart using X-ray screening.
Setting the rate
The external generator is set to pace at a safe rate and tested. You may feel a light tapping sensation at first.
Monitoring and removal
You stay on continuous monitoring. When your own rhythm recovers the wire is withdrawn at the bedside, which takes a few minutes.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- This is usually an emergency, so there is rarely time to prepare
- Tell the team about blood thinners if you are able to
- Bring a list of your medication if somebody can fetch it
- Family will be updated as soon as the wire is in and the rhythm is stable
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- You will be on continuous cardiac monitoring while the wire is in place
- Keep the leg or neck still to avoid displacing the wire
- The site is checked regularly for bleeding or infection
- Removal takes a few minutes and needs no anaesthetic
- Your cardiologist will discuss whether a permanent pacemaker is needed
Why choose Humayun for temporary pacing
This is an emergency procedure, so what matters is that everything needed is already in the room.
- A cath lab and screening available at any hour, so pacing does not wait for morning
- Coronary care beds with continuous monitoring while the wire is in
- Cardiologists on call rather than located
- Permanent pacing available in the same unit if the rhythm does not recover
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