Are temporary pacing wires necessary after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Background: The aim of this study was to predict which patients may need pacing and to investigate the use of temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPWs) in these patients, while demonstrating the characteristics of them. Methods: Between January 2010 and April 2010, 235 patients (187 males, 48 females, mean age 60.3 +/- 10.5 years; range 43 to 79 years) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery at the Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, and they were included in this study. Twelve of the patients required temporary pacing, but none needed a permanent pacemaker. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, diabetes mellitus, ejection fraction, need for inotropic agents in the operation room, cardiopulmonary bypass time, operation technique, right coronary artery bypass, and need for pacing (p<0.005). Conclusion: In light of this data, we suggest that the use of TEPWs in the absence of above mentioned variables should be limited, especially considering the complications involved when using this technique.