Using ultrasound to determine external pacer capture

J Emerg Med. 1999 Nov-Dec;17(6):1007-9. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(99)00132-8.

Abstract

Transcutaneous cardiac pacing is a temporary treatment of hemodynamically unstable bradycardias. However, the rhythmic skeletal muscle contractions that occur during external pacing can make it difficult to assess the hemodynamic status of the patient. We report a case of using bedside ultrasound to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous pacer capture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bradycardia / therapy*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Point-of-Care Systems