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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Dermatologic electrosurgery in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and pacemakers
J G LeVasseur1, C D Kennard, E M Finley
1Department of Dermatology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Background:
Electrosurgery is frequently employed in the treatment of skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions in the elderly. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are most commonly seen in this older population. Potentially hazardous electrosurgical interference exists with the function of ICDs and pacemakers in this setting.
Objective:
Our goal is to review the potential hazards of electrosurgery in patients with ICDs and pacemakers and to suggest a perioperative management plan.
Methods:
Review of the medical literature on electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers was accomplished in addition to a case report of ventricular tachycardia during Mohs surgery on a patient with an ICD.
Results:
Multiple case reports and reviews from the nonder-matologic literature demonstrate that a real hazard exists.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the potential electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers is required to perform these procedures safely. A perioperative management plan is suggested.
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