[Ventricular arrhythmia associated with the use of an electrosurgical unit in a patient with a Swan-Ganz catheter].
We experienced short-run type ventricular arrhythmia associated with use of electrosurgical unit (ESU) in a patient with a Swan-Ganz catheter. Leakage current was not detected from the body of the five different devices used in this study. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of leakage current to the electrode of the intra-cardiac catheter thereby exciting the myocardium, because the grounding of the five devices used simultaneously on the patient were not of EPR system. The other possibility, that is the occurrence of pulse direct current voltage by rectification of high frequency current at the contact point of electrosurgical knife's tip and vital organ is a speculation but not underlined by a definite proof. In summary, the cause of ventricular arrhythmia associated with the use of ESU could not be identified in the present case. It must always be remembered that whatever safety measures may be prescribed for electrical instruments, a complete prevention of EMI is impossible. Also it must be stressed that whenever many devices are used simultaneously on a patient, EPR system is very important for avoiding electrical hazard.
Mitsuhata
H
H
Department of Anesthesiology, Hiraka General Hospital, Yokote.
Ohtaka
K
K
Matsumoto
S
S
Hasegawa
J
J
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged