Inappropriate Defibrillator Shocks During Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report

Vasudha Goel1, Hariharan Shankar2, Siva K Mulpuru3

  • 1From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A&A Practice
|September 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Radiofrequency ablation near cardiac implantable electronic devices can cause inappropriate shocks and pacing inhibition. Following best practices is crucial to prevent adverse events in patients with these devices.

Area of Science:

  • Pain Management
  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Pain Medicine

Background:

  • Cervical spondylosis and complete heart block are common conditions.
  • Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) like cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators are increasingly implanted.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common procedure for chronic pain.

Observation:

  • A patient with a CIED (cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator) underwent C4-C6 medial branch RFA.
  • The procedure triggered remote monitoring alerts, including inappropriate shocks and pacing inhibition.

Findings:

  • Fluoroscopy-guided RFA in proximity to a CIED can lead to device malfunction.
  • Inappropriate shocks and pacing inhibition are potential adverse events.

Implications:

  • Adherence to established best practice guidelines is essential for patient safety during RFA in patients with CIEDs.
  • Minimizing electromagnetic interference during RFA procedures is critical for preventing CIED complications.

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