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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators
1Department of Anaesthesia, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK. drmjallen@hotmail.co.uk
Anaesthesia
|August 23, 2006
Summary
Patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators require careful peri-operative management. Understanding device function and electromagnetic interference risks is crucial for safe anaesthetic practice, especially with new diathermy guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
- Rapid technological advancements in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
- Essential need for understanding CIED function and associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of understanding CIED function and risks.
- To emphasize the critical need for safe peri-operative management of patients with CIEDs.
- To inform anaesthetists about managing CIEDs during surgical procedures, particularly concerning electromagnetic interference.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of CIED function.
- Analysis of potential risks, including electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Consideration of device management strategies (disabling/reprogramming) and information gathering from pacemaker clinics.
Main Results:
- Normal functioning of CIEDs and the impact of EMI are key considerations.
- Peri-operative management requires careful assessment and potential device reprogramming.
- UK guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) offer a foundation for practice.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive knowledge of CIEDs is vital for anaesthetists.
- Safe peri-operative management relies on understanding device function, risks, and available guidelines.
- Collaboration with pacemaker clinics and adherence to MHRA guidelines are recommended for optimal patient care.
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