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Updated: May 27, 2026

Effects of Different Connection Modes of Electroacupuncture on Electrocardiogram and Nerve Discharge in Rats
Published on: January 3, 2025
Electro-acupuncture therapy in a patient with a total artificial heart
Radha Gopalan1, Robert Scott, Francisco Arabia
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix Campus, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA. gopalan.radha@mayo.edu
Abstract:
Interaction between the electrical system of implanted cardiovascular devices and electrical stimulation of acupuncture points (electro-acupuncture) can be life-threatening. As a result, there is reluctance to use this modality in patients who have been implanted with any cardiac device. A patient with a total artificial heart was successfully treated with electro-acupuncture for inflammatory arthritis without any adverse events. This case illustrates the safety of electro-acupuncture in patients with a total artificial heart.