Chest-wall and transesophageal stimulation in the functional evaluation of patients with permanent pacemakers.

For the functional estimation of artificial pacemakers, we have used two techniques: chest-wall stimulation and transesophageal stimulation. Transesophageal stimulation was always effective in inhibiting the generator, and it was used when chest-wall stimulation was ineffective. These two tests can be easily performed and are of remarkable usefulness in the follow-up of patients with permanent pacemaker.