CARDIAC PACING WITH AN ESOPHAGEAL ELECTRODE

1. 1. In anesthetized mongrel dogs electrical stimulation of the heart was performed through electrodes placed in the esophagus and the stomach. 2. 2. The amount of current required to cause cardiac contraction through these electrodes was much greater than that required for stimulating the heart directly through the endocardium. 3. 3. When the stimulus applied through the esophagus or stomach was adequate to cause cardiac contraction, it also caused contraction of the thoracoabdominal muscles. 4. 4. As judged by these data, the application of stimuli through the esophagus or stomach, or both, does not seem to be a practical method of driving the heart. 5. 5. Since cardiac stimulation can be achieved through the esophagus, it may also occur through electrical apparatus attached to gastric and esophageal suction tubes. Ventricular fibrillation occurred when 60 cycle alternating current was run from an esophageal electrode to the precordium. © 1969.