A perioperative management algorithm for cardiac rhythm management devices: the PACED-OP protocol

Limited data are available regarding the perioperative management of cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMDs) exposed to intraoperative electromagnetic interference. We postulated that implementation of a simple, standardized approach to CRMD management using our own institution's Pacing And Cardioverting Electronic Devices peri-Operative Protocol (the PACED-OP protocol) would be associated with a reduction in the amount of device reprogramming without an increase in CRMD-related complications.

Records of patients with CRMDs undergoing 497 consecutive surgical procedures were analyzed retrospectively. Roughly half (51%, n = 254) of these procedures occurred before implementation of the PACED-OP protocol, when patients were generally treated according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists' 2005 guidelines. These cases were compared to the remaining surgeries that occurred after implementation of the PACED-OP protocol. Records were screened for evidence of intraoperative CRMD malfunction that was directly associated with the use of electrocautery. Postoperative complications that could be indirectly or possibly linked to electrocautery-mediated CRMD malfunction were also identified.

Implementation of the PACED-OP protocol was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of device reprogramming (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.19, P < 0.001). There was no direct evidence of CRMD malfunction in either cohort. The rate of postoperative complications that could be indirectly or possibly linked with electrocautery-mediated CRMD damage did not differ significantly between cohorts (aOR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval 0.56-3.3, P = 0.49).

The PACED-OP protocol implementation was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of device reprogramming without a significant difference in the odds of CRMD-related complications.