Transesophageal cardiac pacing is used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Transesophageal pacing is a minimally invasive procedure in which electrodes are delivered through the oropharynx to the atria of the esophagus, and an esophageal discharge is used to pace the atria or ventricles. Transesophageal pacing can be used in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of tachyarrhythmias to aid in clinical diagnosis.
Transesophageal pacing also has a therapeutic role, as it can be used to terminate episodes of tachyarrhythmia through esophageal pacing, making the technique both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Transesophageal pacing is relatively low-risk and should be performed on an empty stomach by an experienced cardiologist, as prescribed by the physician.