title: Pacemaker backup-mode reversion and injury during cardiac surgery.
abstract: Both electrocautery and internal defibrillation are routinely used in cardiac operations. The cases of 5 patients are presented in whom backup-mode reversion or injury of permanently implanted pulse generators occurred during a cardiac procedure. The theoretical explanations for backup-mode reversion and generator or tissue injury are discussed, and recommendations are made for the management of patients with a pacemaker who are to undergo a cardiac operation.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D004560:Electricity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial