Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Placement
What is a Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Placement?
Temporary transvenous pacemaker placement is an invasive, life-saving and emergency procedure to help manage unstable cardiac dysrrhytmias (abnormal and irregular heart beats). A transvenous pacemaker is an electronic device implanted on the heart to regulate its rate and rhythm.
Why Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Placement?
Your doctor may recommend a temporary transvenous pacemaker placement to provide electrical stimulation to your heart that is severely compromised by abnormal heart rhythms, including a heart attack.
Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Placement Potential Risks and Complications
Complications that may occur with a temporary transvenous pacemaker placement include:
- Pneumothorax is when the nearby lung is punctured during the procedure and can cause breathing difficulties or lung collapse.
- Bleeding inside the chest.
- Bleeding at the catheter insert site.
- Infection at the catheter insert site.
- Heart rhythm complications requiring immediate attention and adjustment in the pacemaker.
- Pericarditis, which is fluid collecting around your heart.
What to Expect
What to Expect During a Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker Placement
- Generally, your doctor will chose the internal jugular or subclavian vein to insert the catheter.
- You’ll be given a sedative to help you relax, the insert site will be prepared and the catheter will be inserted and carefully threaded to your heart.
- Special imaging technology will help guide your doctor in the temporary placement of the pacemaker on your heart.
- After your doctor has ascertained that the pacemaker is working correctly, your doctor will gently remove the catheter and bandage the insert site.
- You will then go into recovery and your vital signs will be monitored until you are stable before you are sent to your hospital room.