Burack B, Furman S. Am J Cardiol 23: 469-472, 1969. Successful fixed rate pacing in a 65 year old female patient in cardiac arrest was accomplished via the esophagus for 36 hours, followed by an additional 24 hours of demand pacing. Esophageal pacing was attempted only after several failed attempts to pass a flexible catheter into the right ventricle. No evidence of burn damage to the esophagus. Transesophageal cardiac pacing may be a simple, effective and safe method for temporary cardiac pacing.