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StatPearls, LLC

  • Atrioventricular Block
  • Bradycardia
  • Cardiac Output
  • Chest Pain
  • Syncope

Transcutaneous Pacing

Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) is a rapid, noninvasive intervention used to treat hemodynamically unstable bradyarrhythmias and other clinically significant conduction disturbances. These conditions commonly result from ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, medication toxicity, electrolyte abnormalities, degenerative conduction system disease, or heightened vagal tone. Affected patients may present with hypotension, altered mental status, chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, or signs of shock attributable to inadequate cardiac output. TCP delivers electrical impulses through cutaneous electrode pads to achieve myocardial depolarization and temporary cardiac pacing. TCP is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia that is unresponsive to pharmacologic therapy and certain high-grade atrioventricular blocks. Relative contraindications are limited but include situations in which pacing is unlikely to achieve capture or when immediate transvenous pacing is available and feasible. Challenges include patient discomfort, failure of electrical or mechanical capture, and interference with monitoring. Potential complications include skin injury and arrhythmia induction. Without timely intervention, persistent bradyarrhythmia may progress to cardiovascular collapse, organ hypoperfusion, and death. This activity reviews the indications, contraindications, preparation, technique, and potential complications of transcutaneous pacing. This activity also provides healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to identify patients who require TCP and to perform the procedure safely and effectively in accordance with established clinical standards. The activity also emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare providers, with improved proficiency supporting effective teamwork in the care of patients who require external pacing.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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