Intraoperative pacemaker failure in an infant.
Pacemakers in children can present clinical challenges during surgery. We present a case report of an infant whose pacemaker reverted to a backup mode when electrocautery was used during surgery. The resulting bradycardia did not respond either to a magnet placed over the generator or to iv atropine. The circulation was supported by isoproterenol until the pacemaker was re-programmed by the manufacturer. Such devices require care and understanding if problems during surgery are to be avoided.
Bailey
A G
AG
Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7010.
Lacey
S R
SR
D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial