To evaluate the safety and efficacy of temporary pacemaker without X-ray guidance.

Patients with indications for temporary pacemaker (mainly those with sick sinus syndrome) treated at Department of Internal Medicine of Yunnan Normal University Hospital from April 2013 to December 2017 were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: 157 cases using temporary pacemaker with X-ray guidance (group A) and 157 cases using temporary pacemaker without X-ray and balloon-tipped floating catheter (group B). The t-test was used to compare the difference in operation time and pacemaker threshold between the two groups, and χ² test was used to compare the success rate and complications between the two groups.

There was no statistical difference (t=0.050、χ²=1.003、t=0.000, P all>0.05) between groups A and B in operation time [(22±12) min vs (23±14) min], success rate (100% vs 99.3%), and pacing threshold [(0.97±0.32)V vs (0.97±0.35)V]. Failed operation occurred in one patient in group B with right atrium dilation and Ebstein′s anomaly, but a success was achieved under the guidance of X-ray.

Bedside temporary pacemaker without X-ray guidance is as safe and efficient as that guided by X-ray, but the latter is better for patients with special difficulties, namely, enlarged right atrium, tricuspid stenosis, and Ebstein′s anomaly.