A comprehensive scoping review on transvenous temporary pacing therapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Transvenous temporary cardiac pacing (TV-TP) is a critical intervention for life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Limited aggregated data exists on TV-TP's efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review indications, access routes, and complications of TV-TP.
• To evaluate the rate of permanent pacemaker (PPM) therapy following TV-TP.
• To analyze trends in complication incidence over time.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review of clinical studies on TV-TP was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE.
• Studies were included if they reported complication rates; case studies were excluded.
• Complication incidence was analyzed across 10-year intervals since TV-TP's introduction.

Main Results:

• 32 studies involving 4546 patients were included.
• Atrioventricular block was the primary indication (62.7%), with femoral vein access being most common (47.2%).
• The overall complication rate was 36.7% (10.2% serious), decreasing over time but remaining significant (22.9% in the latest period). 64.2% required PPM.

Conclusions:

• TV-TP is frequently indicated for atrioventricular block, with femoral vein access being standard.
• Despite a historical decline, TV-TP complications remain a significant clinical concern.
• A majority of patients undergoing TV-TP ultimately require permanent pacemaker implantation.