Transesophageal Pacing

What is Transesophageal Pacing?

Transesophageal pacing can be used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia in children. Arrhythmias are caused by a problem in the heart's electrical or conduction system. They can cause symptoms like palpitations, skipped or rapid heart beats, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.

If a person has these symptoms, the doctor might order a transesophageal pacing study. To do the study, a small flexible tube is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, which is the passageway from the mouth to the stomach. There are small metal rings on the tube that are used to record the heart rhythm and to pace the heart if this is needed. It is possible to study the heart rhythm in this way because the esophagus passes very close to where the heart is in the chest. This allows the doctor to place the tube very close to the heart so detailed tracing the heart rhythm can be made.

For a child, the hardest part of the study is when the tube is passed from the mouth into the esophagus. As it travels down the throat, it causes gagging. Although this is not pleasant, most children tolerate it very well. Older children are able to pass the tube themselves by swallowing some water which moves the tube into the right place. Very young children are sedated to make the test easier for them. When the tube is used to pace the heart, there is also some pain. Older children describe this pain as feeling like heartburn.

How do I prepare for it?

In most cases, one or both parents can stay with the child to provide support and reassurance during the test. Infants should not be given anything to drink for three hours before the test. Children should have nothing solid to eat for 6 hours before the test but can have clear liquids up to 3 hour before the test. Afterwards, the doctor will explain the test results to parents. At this time, any questions will be answered. A written report is also sent to the family doctor.

What if I have questions?

If you have additional questions you may contact the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at the University of Michigan at (734) 764-5176.

2006: Information reviewed and approved by Laura Bell, RN, MSN, PNP Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Lynda Dettling RN, BSN.

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