Our initial clinical experience with human transesophageal pacing is described. We were successful in pacing the heart of this patient at a fixed rate for 36 hours and on demand pacing for 24 additional hours, with no significant adverse effects to the esophagus. This was accomplished after unsuccessful attempts to pass a flexible cardiac probe into the right ventricle. Transesophageal cardiac pacing may be a simple, effective and safe method for temporary emergency cardiac pacing. © 1969.