title: Direct-current injury from external pacemaker results in tissue electrolysis.
abstract: In two patients undergoing open heart operations, electrochemical burns developed at the sites of connection to an external pacing system. Investigation revealed that failure of the pacing generator caused a small, continuous, direct current to pass through the patients, resulting in electrolysis at the sites of contact with the pacing and grounding wires. This electrolytic reaction was recreated in a mock pacing system and resulted in tissue injury and disintegration of the pacing wire. Guidelines to help recognize and prevent this complication are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York 10016.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Grossi
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Parish
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kralik
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Glassman
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Ribakove
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Galloway
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Colvin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D004572:Electrolysis; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged