Permanent cardiac pacemakers: issues relevant to the emergency physician, Part I

Many people benefit from the implantation of cardiac pacemakers for management of certain cardiac dysrhythmias. These patients are seen regularly in the emergency department with a variety of pacemaker complications and malfunctions. The presence of a pacemaker may also affect management of unrelated medical problems. This two-part series reviews the medical issues related to patients with permanent pacemakers. Part I covers pacing modes and terminology, complications of the implant procedure, and the approach to a patient with a permanent pacemaker. Part II covers the causes, diagnosis and management of pacemaker malfunction; the pacemaker syndrome; the pacemaker Twiddler's syndrome; and other considerations in the paced patient including diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, ACLS protocols, trauma, and sources of interference. Indications for permanent pacemaker implantation and temporary external pacing will not be covered.