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Electrosurgery-induced ventricular fibrillation during pacemaker replacement--a unique mechanism
A Aggarwal1, N E Farber, G S Kotter
1Department of Anesthesiology, Zablocki VAMC, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
Journal of Clinical Monitoring
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Electrosurgery can cause dangerous arrhythmias, like ventricular fibrillation, in patients with pacemakers. This case report highlights the risk during pacemaker replacement surgery, emphasizing the need for caution with electrosurgical devices in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Electrosurgical devices are commonly used in surgery for hemostasis.
- Patients with cardiac pacemakers are at risk for arrhythmias and device malfunction when exposed to electrosurgery.
- Sick sinus syndrome is a condition affecting the heart's natural pacemaker.