Temporary epicardial wire electrodes in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias after open heart surgery.

The demonstrated safety, efficacy, and ease of utilization of the temporarily placed epicardial wire electrodes strongly support their routine use. By having temporary stainless steel wire electrodes available in the postoperative period, the diagnosis of arrhythmias after open heart surgery is greatly facilitated. Furthermore, because of the clinical advantages of cardiac pacing, it has become the treatment of choice for many, if not most, arrhythmias in the postoperative period.