Transcutaneous pacing: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 01:51, 17 February 2025

A temporary method of pacing the heart

Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) is a temporary means of pacing a patient's heart during emergencies. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to contract. This method is often used in cases of bradycardia or heart block until a more permanent solution, such as a pacemaker, can be implemented.

Procedure[edit]

Transcutaneous pacing involves placing electrode pads on the patient's chest. These pads are connected to an external pacemaker device, which delivers electrical impulses through the skin to the heart. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting, often in the emergency department or intensive care unit.

The pacing device is set to deliver impulses at a specific rate and energy level. The goal is to achieve "capture," where the heart responds to the electrical impulses by contracting. The device settings may need to be adjusted to ensure effective pacing.

Indications[edit]

Transcutaneous pacing is indicated in several situations, including:

Symptomatic bradycardia not responsive to atropine
High-degree atrioventricular block
Asystole, as a bridge to more definitive treatment

Effectiveness[edit]

The effectiveness of transcutaneous pacing is determined by the presence of "capture." True capture is confirmed by observing a corresponding QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (ECG) following each pacing spike. False capture occurs when pacing spikes are present without corresponding QRS complexes.

True capture: Pacing spikes followed by QRS complexes

False capture: Pacing spikes without QRS complexes

Complications[edit]

While transcutaneous pacing is generally safe, it can cause discomfort or pain due to the electrical impulses. Other potential complications include skin burns at the electrode sites and interference with other medical devices.

Alternatives[edit]

Alternatives to transcutaneous pacing include:

Transvenous pacing
Permanent pacemaker implantation

Related pages[edit]

References[edit]

American Heart Association. "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider Manual." 2020.
European Resuscitation Council. "Guidelines for Resuscitation 2021."

True capture
False capture

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Thymic Hypoplasia''' is a medical condition characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of the [[thymus gland]]. This condition is often associated with a variety of other health issues, including [[immune system]] disorders and [[congenital heart disease]].
+{{Short description|A temporary method of pacing the heart}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Overview==
+'''Transcutaneous pacing''' (TCP) is a temporary means of pacing a patient's heart during emergencies. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to contract. This method is often used in cases of [[bradycardia]] or [[heart block]] until a more permanent solution, such as a [[pacemaker]], can be implemented.
-The [[thymus gland]] is a small organ located in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is part of the [[immune system]] and plays a crucial role in the development of [[T cells]], which are a type of white blood cell that helps protect the body from infections and diseases. In individuals with Thymic Hypoplasia, the thymus gland is either underdeveloped or completely absent, leading to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections.
-==Causes==
+==Procedure==
-Thymic Hypoplasia is often a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It can be caused by a variety of genetic disorders, including [[DiGeorge syndrome]], [[CHARGE syndrome]], and [[22q11.2 deletion syndrome]]. These disorders can lead to a range of health issues, including heart defects, facial abnormalities, and learning disabilities, in addition to Thymic Hypoplasia.
+Transcutaneous pacing involves placing electrode pads on the patient's chest. These pads are connected to an external pacemaker device, which delivers electrical impulses through the skin to the heart. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting, often in the emergency department or intensive care unit.
-==Symptoms==
+The pacing device is set to deliver impulses at a specific rate and energy level. The goal is to achieve "capture," where the heart responds to the electrical impulses by contracting. The device settings may need to be adjusted to ensure effective pacing.
-The symptoms of Thymic Hypoplasia can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of other health issues. Common symptoms can include frequent infections, poor growth, and developmental delays. In severe cases, individuals with Thymic Hypoplasia may also experience life-threatening infections or diseases.
-==Diagnosis==
+==Indications==
-Diagnosis of Thymic Hypoplasia typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Imaging tests, such as [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]], may also be used to visualize the thymus gland and assess its size and development.
+Transcutaneous pacing is indicated in several situations, including:
+* Symptomatic bradycardia not responsive to [[atropine]]
+* High-degree [[atrioventricular block]]
+* Asystole, as a bridge to more definitive treatment
-==Treatment==
+==Effectiveness==
-Treatment for Thymic Hypoplasia typically involves managing the symptoms and preventing infections. This can include regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and antibiotics. In some cases, [[thymus transplant]] may be considered.
+The effectiveness of transcutaneous pacing is determined by the presence of "capture." True capture is confirmed by observing a corresponding [[QRS complex]] on the [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) following each pacing spike. False capture occurs when pacing spikes are present without corresponding QRS complexes.
-==See Also==
+[[File:True-capture.png|thumb|right|True capture: Pacing spikes followed by QRS complexes]]
-* [[DiGeorge syndrome]]
+[[File:False-capture.png|thumb|right|False capture: Pacing spikes without QRS complexes]]
-* [[CHARGE syndrome]]
-* [[22q11.2 deletion syndrome]]
-* [[Immune system]]
-* [[Congenital heart disease]]
-[[Category:Medical Conditions]]
+==Complications==
-[[Category:Immune System Disorders]]
+While transcutaneous pacing is generally safe, it can cause discomfort or pain due to the electrical impulses. Other potential complications include skin burns at the electrode sites and interference with other medical devices.
-[[Category:Congenital Disorders]]
-{{stub}}
+==Alternatives==
+Alternatives to transcutaneous pacing include:
+* [[Transvenous pacing]]
+* [[Permanent pacemaker]] implantation
+==Related pages==
+* [[Cardiac pacing]]
+* [[Electrocardiography]]
+* [[Cardiac arrest]]
+==References==
+* [[American Heart Association]]. "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider Manual." 2020.
+* [[European Resuscitation Council]]. "Guidelines for Resuscitation 2021."
+[[Category:Cardiac electrophysiology]]
+[[Category:Emergency medical procedures]]
+<gallery>
+File:True-capture.png|True capture
+File:False-capture.png|False capture
+</gallery>