Excision of malignant melanoma overlying a pacemaker.
BACKGROUND
With the increasing number of patients with implantable cardiac devices, dermatologic surgeons must be increasingly familiar with the types of devices and potential interference by surgical procedures.


METHODS
We report the excision of a 1 cm malignant melanoma in situ occurring on the skin directly overlying the patient's pacemaker.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful excision of malignant lesions in the setting of implantable cardiac devices requires an understanding of pacemaker implantation anatomy following well-established guidelines for electrosurgery in the setting of implantable cardiac devices and careful coordination with cardiac and anesthesia specialists.
Chapas
Anne M
AM
Department of Dermatology, Surgical/Oncology Division, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Lee
Dennis
D
Rogers
Gary S
GS
D000368:Aged; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*