Temporary Pacemaker Indications

Temporary pacemaker insertion is a minor cardiac procedure typically performed on emergency or hospitalized patients. In emergency situations where a patient experiences syncope, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, or conduction disorders—particularly types of slow heart rhythms—immediate placement of a temporary pacemaker becomes necessary to stabilize the patient.

Use in Surgical Procedures

Another common scenario for temporary pacemaker implantation is to provide cardiac support during surgical interventions. For instance, if a patient is scheduled for surgery the next day and a Holter monitor reveals left bundle branch block, first-degree atrioventricular block, bifascicular block, or alternating left and right bundle branch block, a temporary pacemaker may be recommended. Even if the patient is asymptomatic, surgeons may request cardiology involvement to implant a temporary pacemaker as a precaution against potential bradycardic events during anesthesia and surgery.

Application During Cardiac Interventions

High-Risk Situations and Preventive Use

In the context of complex cardiac interventions, especially when a patient presents with poor blood pressure or severe clinical status, additional support such as an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be considered. Moreover, in cases of right coronary artery occlusion leading to inferior wall myocardial infarction, complications such as sinus bradycardia or complete heart block (third-degree AV block) can occur. In these situations, even if the patient is currently stable, the risk of intra-procedural cardiac instability is high, prompting the preemptive placement of a temporary pacemaker to ensure the safety and success of the intervention.