Inadvertent suppression of a fixed rate ventricular pacemaker using a peripheral nerve stimulator.
Electromagnetic interference usually produces only minor effects in patients with pacemakers. Nevertheless, the possibilities of serious and even fatal consequences of this complication must be recognised. This case reports an unusual anaesthetic source of interference, caused by activation of a popular nerve stimulator, resulting in cardiac arrest in a patient with a fixed-rate ventricular pacemaker.
O'Flaherty
D
D
Department of Anaesthetics, United Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London.
Wardill
M
M
Adams
A P
AP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial