Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Burst Pacing
High-frequency electrical stimulation delivered to terminate arrhythmias or assess conduction properties.
Full Definition
A pacing technique involving the delivery of rapid, continuous electrical impulses at rates typically exceeding 300-400 beats per minute. Burst pacing is used therapeutically to terminate reentrant arrhythmias by interrupting the circuit, and diagnostically to assess conduction system properties and induce arrhythmias during electrophysiology studies. The technique exploits the principle that rapid pacing can penetrate reentrant circuits and reset or terminate them. Success depends on the cycle length, duration of pacing, and the electrophysiological characteristics of the target tissue.
In Context
- "Burst pacing at 350 milliseconds successfully terminated the atrial flutter." — EP study report
- "The protocol includes burst pacing from multiple sites to assess for inducible arrhythmias." — Research methodology
Also known as
rapid pacing
high-frequency stimulation
Contrasted with
slow pacing
bradycardia pacing
Don't confuse with
overdrive pacing
extrastimulus pacing