Abstract
The indications for temporary pacing can be considered to fall into two broad categories: emergency or elective. Any patient with acute haemodynamic compromise caused by bradycardia or ventricular tachyarrhythmias in response to bradycardia should be considered for temporary cardiac pacing. Transcutaneous cardiac pacing is effective for emergency cases during anesthesia because this approach can be achieved rapidly without complicated procedures. It has been considered that prophylactic temporary cardiac pacing be established to cover general anesthesia in the presence of bifascicular block or second degree heart block, although there is little evidence to support this consideration, especially in the case of bifascicular block. However, intensive monitoring during the perioperative period and rapid preparation for emergency pacing can be required.
