Noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing: modern instrumentation and new perspectives.

Noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing has evolved from a simple stand alone unit with no ventricular sensing to a complete cardiac arrest resuscitation system combining synchronous pacing and defibrillation capabilities and using a single set of multifunction electrodes. In current instrumentation, four configurations exist including stand alone unit, modular configuration, built-in monitor and recorder, and built-in monitor, recorder and defibrillator. In present day devices, ventricular sensing, extensive programmability, and large surface electrodes are general features. Capture monitoring requires specific integrated electrocardiographic capability. Future developments are expected to involve low threshold electrode technology, integrated mechanical monitoring, and interdevice electrode compatibility.