Transvenous pacing implantation: techniques, tips, and lessons learned along the way

The right ventricular apex has been the traditional site for lead placement in veterinary patients who require permanent cardiac pacing therapy for atrioventricular block and sick sinus syndrome. Implantation of leads in this location is a straightforward procedure that most veterinary cardiologists perform routinely. Pacing at the right ventricular apex, however, has been demonstrated to have long-term deleterious effects on the left ventricular function in numerous patient populations and animal models. Alternative lead placement sites and pacing system configurations have been developed, and the purpose of this review article is not to review the literature or the decision-making process in selecting a specific pacing system but rather to share the experiences of our group with the use of alternative pacing implantation techniques for veterinary patients in need of permanent cardiac pacing.