Temporary Epicardial Pacing

Course overview

Patients undergo open heart surgery for various reasons, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, and surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to surgery, patients may experience one or more complications in the immediate postoperative period, such as decreased cardiac output, dysrhythmias, or the development of heart blocks. Temporary epicardial pacing can help prevent and manage immediate cardiac postoperative complications. This course will address temporary epicardial pacing, general settings, complications, and nursing care of the patients undergoing this therapy. The goal of this course is to educate the nursing profession in the acute care setting on the general functions of the temporary epicardial pacemaker.