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.
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.
Abstract:
A 52-year-old woman with a history of cervical spondylosis, nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and complete heart block with implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (Inogen XR, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) underwent bilateral fluoroscopy-guided radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves at C4, C5, and C6 levels at an ambulatory surgery center. After completion of the seemingly routine procedure, several alerts, including 1 inappropriate shock, were received via Boston Scientific's remote monitoring system. Tracings also showed that pacing inhibition occurred. When performing radiofrequency ablation in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device, it is imperative to follow published best practice recommendations to minimize the risk of adverse events.
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