[Indications spectrum for temporary and permanent cardiac pacemaker therapy]

Temporary pacemaker therapy is defined as a limited electrical stimulation of the heart with an external generator. This method is used in emergency situations for patients with bradycardia or asystolia. Since the first implantation of a permanent pacemaker in 1958, the types of indications changed according to technological development of the generators. In former times, total AV-block of the heart was the classical indication. Today, also patients with bradyarrhythmia or sinus node dysfunction are given a pacemaker based on hemodynamic findings. More possibilities in pacemaker programming also requires more education of physicians.