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Electrocautery-induced tachycardia in a rate-responsive pacemaker.
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Toronto, Canada. david.wong@uhn.on.ca
Anesthesiology
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Electrocautery can interfere with on-demand pacemakers, causing them to pace unexpectedly. In a VVIR mode pacemaker, this interference resulted in pacing at the maximum programmed rate of 130 pulses/min.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- On-demand pacemakers are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from electrocautery.
- Such interference can lead to pacemaker inhibition or inappropriate pacing, posing risks to patients.
Observation:
- A patient with a pacemaker experienced electrical interference during a medical procedure.
- The interference was specifically caused by electrocautery use.
- The pacemaker was operating in ventricle-paced, ventricle-sensed, inhibited, rate-responsive (VVIR) mode.
Findings:
- Electrocautery induced inhibition and loss of pacing in the affected pacemaker.
- The VVIR pacemaker was triggered to pace at its programmed maximum rate of 130 pulses/min.
- This demonstrates a specific failure mode of pacemakers under electrocautery interference.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of electrocautery interference with VVIR pacemakers.
- Suggests the need for careful monitoring and potential adjustments when using electrocautery in patients with pacemakers.
- Informs strategies for mitigating pacemaker malfunction during surgical procedures involving electrocautery.
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