epicardial pacing
Temporary cardiac pacing using electrodes placed directly on the heart's surface during surgery.
Full Definition
Epicardial pacing involves the placement of temporary pacing wires on the epicardial surface of the heart during cardiac surgery to provide backup pacing support in the immediate postoperative period. These wires are typically placed on the right atrium and right ventricle before chest closure and can be used for atrial pacing, ventricular pacing, or atrioventricular sequential pacing as needed. The wires are usually removed by gentle traction 3-5 days postoperatively once the risk of bradyarrhythmias has diminished and normal conduction has returned.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from endocardial pacing wires placed via catheter and permanent pacemaker implantation.
In Context
- "Epicardial pacing wires were placed on the right atrium and ventricle before closure." — Operative report
- "The patient required epicardial pacing for complete heart block on postoperative day one." — Post-operative progress note