Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
[A man with severe dilated cardiomyopathy with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator who underwent sigmoidectomy]
Kenji Iwamuro1, Yuko Hamada, Toshiya Koitabashi
1Department of Anesthesiology, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba 272-8513.
Insights
This case study details managing a patient with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator during sigmoidectomy. The successful surgical approach prevented heart failure and device malfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Severe dilated cardiomyopathy necessitates careful management during non-cardiac surgery.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) require specific precautions during electrocautery use to prevent malfunction.
Observation:
- A patient with a severe dilated cardiomyopathy and an ICD underwent a sigmoidectomy.
- ICD defibrillation was temporarily deactivated, and external defibrillator pads were used.
- Pulmonary artery catheter insertion was guided by X-ray to avoid lead interference.
Findings:
- Combined general and thoracic epidural anesthesia was employed.
- Milrinone and carperitide were administered to prevent afterload increase.
- Fluid resuscitation maintained adequate circulating blood volume.
Implications:
- This multidisciplinary approach ensured patient safety during major surgery.
- Effective perioperative management prevented adverse cardiac events in a high-risk patient.
- The strategy highlights successful coordination between cardiology, anesthesia, and surgery for complex cases.
Abstract:
We report a man with severe dilated cardiomyopathy with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) who underwent sigmoidectomy. During the operation, the defibrillation function of the ICD has been stopped to prevent malfunction caused by electrocautery artifacts, and the electrodes of the external defibrillator were placed on the chest wall. Pulmonary artery catheter was inserted under X-ray imaging to prevent the interference between ICD leads and the catheter. Anesthesia was maintained with combined general and thoracic epidural anesthesia. In order to prevent the afterload increase, both milrinone and carperitide were administered. Fluid resuscitation was also performed to maintain circulating blood volume. As a result of the management, patient has not exhibited any heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

