?:definition
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External pacemaker electrodes designed for transthoracic attachment to the external surface of the heart to deliver pacing pulses to the heart. These electrodes are typically disposable needle or hook-like devices to facilitate their introduction and/or location; the proximal end is connected to an external pacemaker pulse generator. The electrodes are usually placed during surgical procedures or in emergency situations by pushing the leads into the right ventricle through the chest wall and then through the ventricular wall. Transthoracic pacemaker electrodes are only intended for temporary pacing of the heart when it is not possible or desirable to use external or other invasive (e.g., transesophageal, transvenous) type of pacing; they are mainly used after open-heart surgery until the heart recovers, and in an emergency until a pacemaker can be surgically implanted.
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