In what situation is a temporary pacemaker typically used?

A temporary pacemaker is typically utilized in scenarios where there is an immediate need to correct abnormal heart rhythms that may lead to hemodynamic instability. This urgent intervention is particularly crucial in cases of severe bradycardia, failure to capture from the patient’s intrinsic heart rhythm, or other critical rhythm disturbances that require prompt action to maintain adequate cardiac output and prevent complications such as syncope or cardiac arrest.

In situations where immediate pacing can stabilize the heart rhythm, healthcare providers can use a temporary pacemaker to non-invasively or invasively stimulate the heart until a more permanent solution can be instituted or until the underlying condition resolves. This contrasts with the long-term solutions that a permanent pacemaker provides, or usage in surgical settings where pacing is often planned and controlled. The use of temporary pacing following an acute myocardial infarction can be necessary in some cases, but it is not the sole situation; immediate rhythm correction encompasses a broader range of life-threatening scenarios that may necessitate temporary pacing in the moment.