epikardiale Schrittmachersonden
Epicardial pacing wires or temporary pacing wires (TPW) allow rapid commencement of atrial and/or ventricular pacing in the event of a perioperative cardiac arrhythmia that has the potential to cause significant hemodynamic compromise.
They are usually inserted during open heart surgery, and especially in those with congenital heart disease . Some surgeons will place epicardial pacing wires during CABG but this is not routine practice .
Removal is usually on the fourth postoperative day via gentle transcutaneous retraction. A coagulation screen should be checked prior to removal and the patient monitored post-procedure to allow early identification of rare, but serious complications such as a myocardial or pericardial injury and further arrhythmia.