Chest wall stimulation for temporary suppression of competitive rhythms due to permanent pacemaker malfunction.

Chest wall stimulation by electrical stimuli was employed to suppress permanent demand (ventricular-inhibited) pacemakers in two patients with competitive ventricular rhythms. The stimuli were nor perceived by either patient, and were continued until surgical intervention was effected. In selected patients with permanent pacemaker malfunction, chest wall stimulation may be appropriate and necessary initial therapy until definitive correction is performed.