Evaluation of transesophageal atrial pacing in the prone and lateral positions

Objective: To develop recommendations for positioning the second-generation pacing esophageal stethoscope for transesophageal atrial pacing in patient s positioned prone (P), right lateral decubitus (RLD), and left lateral dec ubitus (LLD). Design: Prospective; patients assigned consecutively. Setting: Tertiary and university hospitals. Participants: Thirty (10 in each position group) adult patients undergoing surgery. Interventions: The optimal depths of insertions (DOL) where pacing current threshold was minimal (THmin) were determined first when supine, then after positioning. Measurements and Main Results: Transesophageal atrial pacing was successful in all patients supine and after positioning. The optimal DOI varied from 2 cm less deep to 4 cm deeper in positioned patients compared with supine p atients. Patients positioned P required equal or up to 8 mA greater current outputs to achieve transesophageal atrial pacing; LLD and RLD patients may require up to 8 mA greater or lesser current compared with supine patients . Conclusion: Transesophageal atrial pacing can be used safely and effectivel y in patients positioned P, RLD, and LLD. Recommendations are presented for positioning the pacing esophageal stethoscope. Emphasis is given to using the lowest DOIs and smallest currents to reduce the chance of transesophage al ventricular pacing. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.