Complications associated with 64 temporary pacing wires implanted at a district general hospital – should this procedure be reserved for specialist centres?

This study assessed complication rates in 64 emergency temporary pacing procedures, of which atrioventricular block formed the largest group (72%). Of the in-hospital deaths, most (76%) were due to myocardial infarction, and none due to the procedure. Immediate complications occurred in 22%: arrhythmia or arterial puncture, and one hemiparesis. Late complications occurred in 34%: loss of capture, infection including one instance of staphylococcal septicaemia. No complications occurred in 59%. Involvement of a consultant in the procedure did not reduce complication rates. In such potentially unstable patients, the risks of not pacing or delaying pacing probably far outweigh those of immediate intervention.