Most patients have temporary epicardial pacing wires placed during surgery, should pacing be required.
Most patients never require pacing, and their wires are removed uneventfully.
There are several patients, however, in whom wire removal results in complications such as tamponade or wire retention results in infection. The purpose of this protocol is to minimize the possibility of complications due to the removal or retention of temporary epicardial pacing wires, while deriving maximal benefit. To remove pacing wires early in patients who have isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and do not require temporary pacing. To remove pacing wires in the safest way possible in patients who have had valve operations, while minimizing the risk of infectious or bleeding complications. No pacing for the previous 24 hours.