Ultrasound-guided temporary pacemaker placement experience in settings without fluoroscopy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37615/retic.v9n2a3Keywords:
artificial pacemaker, ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, atrioventricular blockAbstract
Patients with third-degree atrioventricular blocks require urgent temporary pacemaker placement for hemodynamic stabilization. Traditionally, these procedures are performed under fluoroscopic guidance, but in centers with limited resources or without immediate access to fluoroscopy, "blind" placement increases the risk of serious complications such as myocardial perforation or electrode malposition. Cardiac ultrasound emerges as a safe and effective alternative to guide temporary pacemaker placement. We present a case series of five patients with complete atrioventricular block in whom a transjugular temporary pacemaker was placed completely guided by ultrasound in a reference center without fluoroscopy capability, with successful results and no immediate complications. The ultrasound technique for pacemaker placement is described.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sergio Joaquín Rangel Revilla, Yanira Martínez Varela, Mauricio Quevedo Azuara, Arecio Sánchez Pantoja
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