Shaw RJ, Berman LH, Hinton, JM. Br Med J 284:309, 1982. A 71 year-old woman admitted with syncope, a pulse rate of 20 BPM and complete AV block fell unconscious while a transvenous pacing lead was being prepared. A bipolar oesophageal electrode was inserted nasally to its full length and gradually withdrawn until ventricular capture occurred. The entire procedure was completed in less than 30 secs. Upon regaining consciousness, the patient complained of chest pain associated with the pacing. Transvenous pacing was established within 30 minutes and transesophageal pacing then discontinued. Esophagoscophy performed 45 hours later found no evidence of erythema, erosions or ulceration to the mucosa. (CardioCommand abstract)