Comparison of temporary pacing techniques in dogs undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Temporary cardiac pacing, particularly transvenous temporary pacing (TVTP) and transthoracic temporary pacing (TTTP), is commonly used prior to permanent pacemaker implantation. We hypothesized that use of TTTP not only decreases procedure and fluoroscopy times compared to TVTP but also increases the risk of failure to capture in larger dogs. ANIMALS MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty dogs that underwent permanent pacemaker implantation were included in the study. A retrospective study was conducted. Demographic and clinical data, the temporary pacing (TP) technique used, procedure duration, fluoroscopy times, TP events, and anaesthetic events were recorded. Differences between groups were compared. RESULTS: Forty dogs received TVTP, and 20 dogs received TTTP. Dogs receiving TTTP were lighter (TTTP median: 9.2 kg [range: 4.5-25.5 kg]; TVTP median: 26 kg [range: 6-66.7 kg]; P<0.001). Using the TTTP method reduced total procedure duration (TTTP median: 200 min [range: 160-237 min]; TVTP median: 235 min [range: 197-260 min]; P=0.015), primarily by decreasing premedication to induction time, although its use was associated with an increased rate of anaesthetic events (TTTP: 15/19 [78.9%]; TVTP: 16/34 [48%]; P=0.041). Complications related to TP were similar for both groups (TTTP: 5/20 [25%]; TVTP: 8/40 [20%]; P=0.65); fluoroscopy time did not differ significantly (median: 4.5 min vs. 4.9 min, respectively; P=0.302). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Bodyweight differences between groups may have influenced results. CONCLUSIONS: Both forms of TP are reliable. Transthoracic TP reduces induction time. Anaesthetic complications appeared more frequent in the TTTP group; this may reflect their smaller bodyweight.