Essence of Pacemakers and Its Application After CPB

Abstract

Placement and utilization of temporary epicardial pacing wires is a fundamental step in the perioperative care of the cardiac surgical patient. Epicardial pacing wires allow for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dysrhythmias-one of the most common complications of cardiac surgery. Additionally, temporary epicardial pacing provides clinicians with a quick and efficacious means of increasing cardiac output in patients with marginal hemodynamics after cardiopulmonary bypass.