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Pathological aspects of transcutaneous cardiac pacing
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Transcutaneous cardiac pacing in dogs showed minimal myocardial injury, suggesting short-term safety. Further research is needed to assess risks associated with long-term electrical pacing for cardiac conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Electrical energy can cause myocardial injury.
- The risks of transcutaneous cardiac pacing on cardiac tissue are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical and pathological effects of transcutaneous cardiac pacing on canine hearts.
- To assess the potential for myocardial damage from transcutaneous electrical stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Ten dogs received transcutaneous electrical impulses (100 mA, 20 ms pulse duration) for 30 minutes at 80 stimuli/min.
- Hearts, lungs, and chest wall tissues were examined for pathological changes 72 hours post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- All hearts exhibited gross and microscopic lesions consistent with electrical injury.
- Lesions included myocardial pallor and necrosis in the right ventricular outflow tract and microinfarcts in the left ventricle.
- Involved tissue was minimal (<5% RV free wall, <1% LV posterior wall), unlikely to cause clinical changes.
Conclusions:
- Short-term transcutaneous pacing appears safe regarding myocardial tissue damage.
- The extent of observed lesions suggests a low risk of clinically significant injury with brief use.
- Long-term effects and potential for clinically significant injury require further investigation.