Effect of Atrial Pacing on Right Ventricular Function After Cardiac Surgery

Temporary pacing with an external pacemaker after open heart surgery - besides preventing arrhythmias and AV-conduction disorders - is used to improve cardiac output. In theory, postoperative stunning temporarily limits stroke volume and SA-node dysfunction compromises an adequate compensatory rise in heartrate to ensure sufficient cardiac output. There is a lack of consensus regarding the use of this form of pacing. Protocols vary widely between hospitals. Moreover, the scientific base for this form of pacing mainly comprises studies dating back to the nineteen sixties and seventies. Major changes in (operating) techniques have taken place since then. Also, the role of the right ventricle in this context has not been studied specifically. The current study aims to investigate the effects of atrial pacing on right ventricular function specifically and hemodynamics in general, in today's postoperative setting. We hypothesize that a reduction in heart rate may lead to decreased right ventricular function.