Comparison of temporary pacing techniques in dogs undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation

Temporary cardiac pacing, particularly transvenous temporary pacing (TVTP) and transthoracic temporary pacing (TTTP), are commonly used prior to permanent pacemaker implantation. We hypothesised that use of TTTP decreases procedure and fluoroscopy times compared to TVTP but also increases risk of failure to capture in larger dogs. Sixty dogs that underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Retrospective study. Demographic and clinical data, temporary pacing technique used, procedure duration, fluoroscopy times, temporary pacing events and anaesthetic events were recorded. Differences between groups were compared. Forty dogs received TVTP and 20 dogs received TTTP. Dogs receiving TTTP were lighter (TTTP median 9.2 kg (range 4.5-25.5 kg); TVTP median 26 kg (range 6-66.7 kg); P < 0.001). The TTTP reduced total procedure duration (TTTP median 200 min (range 160-237 min); TVTP median 235 min (range 197-260 min); P = 0.015), primarily by decreasing premedication to induction time, although its use was associated with an increased rate of anaesthetic events (TTTP, 15/19 (78.9%); TVTP, 16/34 (48%); P = 0.041). Complications related to temporary pacing were similar for both groups (TTTP, 5/20 (25%); TVTP, 8/40 (20%); P = 0.65). Fluoroscopy time did not differ significantly (median 4.5 min vs 4.9 min; P = 0.302). Bodyweight differences between groups may have influenced results. Both forms of temporary pacing are reliable. Transthoracic temporary pacing reduces induction time. Anaesthetic complications appeared more frequent in the TTTP group; this may reflect their smaller bodyweight.