title: Electrosurgery in patients with pacemakers/implanted cardioverter defibrillators.
abstract: Despite improved protective mechanisms, pacemakers and implanted cardioverter defibrillators are subject to interference from various sources. An effective means of hemostasis, electrocautery generates electromagnetic interference and may be problematic in this patient population. Reported complication rates are low, but the consequences can be serious. Recommendations regarding the management of patients with implanted cardiac devices become increasingly significant both as the number of patients with devices increases and the number of out-of-hospital/minor surgery procedures performed increases. This article provides surgeons and anesthetists with practical recommendations for use of electrocautery in patients with pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Jeffrey C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dawes
authors.forename: Raman C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mahabir
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hillier
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cassidy
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: de Haas
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gillis
mesh_terms: D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000592:standards*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care