Pacemaker inhibition in cardiac surgery.

ABSTRACT

We described a noninvasive method of pacemaker inhibition for patients with pacemakers who are undergoing cardiac operation. It is a simple and effective way to attain complete cessation of electrical and mechanical activity of the pacemaker. Cold cardioplegic techniques are currently used to attain cardiac arrest and myocardial preservation. For patients with permanent pacemakers who require a cardiac operation, the addition of the method of pacemaker inhibition results in a decrease in the potential for myocardial injury and a quiet operative field, which facilitates the surgical techniques.