"They are usually inserted during open heart surgery, and especially in those with congenital heart disease 1. Some surgeons will place epicardial pacing wires during CABG but this is not routine practice 2-3."
"Removal is usually on the fourth postoperative day via gentle transcutaneous retraction. A coagulation screen should be checked prior to removal and the patient monitored post-procedure to allow early identification of rare, but serious complications such as a myocardial or pericardial injury and further arrhythmia."