Pacemaker Therapy

The number of permanent pacemakers implanted per year increased by 55.6% between 1993 and 2009, and is continuing to rise. Accordingly, the number of patients treated in the emergency department who have permanent pacemakers is increasing, and it is important for physicians in the emergency department to be familiar with the operation and potential complications of these devices. This review covers the pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for patients with pacemakers presenting to the emergency department. This review contains 6 figures, 10 tables, and 25 references. Keywords: Pacemaker, sinus node, atrioventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia, bifascicular block, carotid sinus dysfunction, cardiac sarcoidosis, ventricular pacing, cardiac resynchronization therapy