telemetry leads (white and black) to posterior for pacemaker patient?

[raindrop]

I recently read an article that mentioned how the white and black telemetry leads should be placed to the posterior side of the patient if the pacemaker is less than 6 months. This wasn't from an EBP article and I have yet to find anything else on this. Does your unit practice this method, and if so, what is the rationale??

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

I put them on the shoulders when I remember to.

Honestly, my rationale is because that is how I was taught... Hmmm.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I have never heard of putting the leads on the posterior side post pacer implantation. Our manufacturer recommends they be placed on the upper anterior chest, away from bony prominences to decrease artifact. I would avoid placing any lead on an unhealed incision.

I suppose placing a lead directly over the pacer might pick up artifact, but the lead itself will not effect the pacer.

I should think that lying posterior leads could cause skin issues.

[Jenni811, RN]

you can place the white and black ones on the posterior side. we place them on the posterior shoulder (high up, so its not on the scapula when they are laying down). So it is basically almost on top of the shoulder, but posterior.

if that makes sense???

[heatherbRN]

The leads do not need to be places posteriorly. I work in an EP lab and like mentioned above, the electrodes should be placed anteriorly away from bony prominences, and not over healing incisions.