Editing Pacemaker (section)

=== Percussive pacing ===
Percussive pacing, also known as transthoracic mechanical pacing, is the use of the closed fist, usually on the left lower edge of the [[human sternum|sternum]] over the [[right ventricle]] in the [[venae cavae|''vena cava'']], striking from a distance of 20–30&nbsp;cm to induce a ventricular beat (the ''British Journal of Anaesthesia'' suggests this must be done to raise the ventricular pressure to 10–15&nbsp;mmHg to induce electrical activity). This is an old procedure used only as a life-saving means until an electrical pacemaker is brought to the patient.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Eich C, Bleckmann A, Paul T | title = Percussion pacing in a three-year-old girl with complete heart block during cardiac catheterization | journal = Br J Anaesth | volume = 95 | issue = 4 | pages = 465–67 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16051649 | doi = 10.1093/bja/aei209 | doi-access = free }}</ref>