[Transcutaneous cardiac pacemaker for prevention and emergency therapy in neurologic intensive care patients]

In a number of neurological diseases, e.g. Guillain-Barré syndrome, patients are at high risk for a bradyarrhythmia or asystolia. Sometimes a cardiac pacemaker is needed for prophylaxis or for emergency therapy. The usual temporary insertion of a transvenous stimulating electrode has many disadvantages and a high incidence of complications. We report on our initial experience with the non-invasive technique of transcutaneous stimulation via superficial electrodes. The advantages of this method are discussed.