Temporary Pacemakers Related Adverse Events
The different complications related to pacing are found in Table
4, Figure 2 . In our study population, complications were encountered
more frequently in the BTTP group. Venous thromboembolism events were
encountered in zero patients with TPPM compared to 4 (6.3%) in the BTTP
group (P=0.042). Lead dislodgment/loss of capture occurred in 7.9% and
22.2% of patients with TPPM and BTTP, respectively (P=0.025). No
patients in both groups developed tamponade as a complication of
pacemaker insertion. In total, 4 patients who initially had a BTTP
placed were later switched to a TPPM because of lead dislodgment. No
patients were switched from a TPPM to a BTTP. Local (access site)
hematoma and infection were only encountered in BTTP group, in 3.2% and
1.5% of the patients respectively. No Pneumothorax or hemothorax were
found after the procedure in either group. Serious cardiovascular events
happened in one patient (1.5%) with a TPPM, compared to 6 (9.5%) with
BTTP (P=0.075).
The Odds Ratio of developing any of the studied adverse events for the
TPPM group compared to the BTTP group was 0.23 [95% CI (0.10-0.67),
P<0.001]. This association remained consistent after
adjusting for: age, gender, and temporary pacemaker indication [OR=
0.24, 95% CI (0.07-0.91), P=0.030].
In the TPPM group, we compared the incidence of pacemaker related
adverse events for the subgroups of those who were monitored exclusively
outside the ICU setting, exclusively within the ICU setting, and those
who required pacing both in ICU and outside of ICU setting. There was no
significant difference in the pacemaker related adverse events between
those subgroups (Table 5).