Pacemaker induced ventricular fibrillation in coronary care units.

Temporary transvenous pacing is an established treatment for many bradyarrhythmias associated with haemodynamic compromise in patients who have had acute myocardial infarction. Procedural complications associated with insertion of temporary pacing electrodes are well recognised and documented, as is subsequent loss of capture due to rising stimulation threshold or electrode displacement. Temporary transvenous pacing, if not applied correctly, may also directly provoke ventricular arrhythmias. Here we report two cases of ventricular fibrillation that were caused by a temporary pacemaker in a coronary care unit.