transcutaneous pacing
Also written as: TCP — transcutaneous pacing
External electrical pacing through skin electrodes to maintain heart rate in patients with severe bradycardia or heart block.
Full Definition
Transcutaneous pacing is a temporary emergency intervention that delivers electrical impulses through large adhesive electrodes placed on the chest and back to stimulate cardiac contraction. This technique is used when patients have symptomatic bradycardia, high-degree heart block, or asystole that does not respond to medication. The procedure can be uncomfortable for conscious patients and may require sedation. Transcutaneous pacing serves as a bridge to more definitive therapy, such as transvenous pacing or permanent pacemaker implantation. Proper electrode placement and capture verification are essential for effective pacing, and the technique requires continuous monitoring for mechanical capture and patient comfort.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TCP; distinguish from transvenous pacing in documentation.
In Context
- "Transcutaneous pacing was initiated for complete heart block with hemodynamic compromise." — Emergency procedure documentation
- "The patient achieved mechanical capture at 70 mA with transcutaneous pacing." — Critical care monitoring note