title: Electrocautery-induced asystole in a scoliosis patient with a pacemaker.
abstract: Pediatric heart condition management may include a variety of implanted cardiac devices. Monopolar electrocautery (Bovie) produces significant electromagnetic interference to these devices. This interference can alter the function of a cardiac generator resulting in a variety of complications including impaired cardiac output and asystole. We report the case of a 16 plus 2-year-old girl who presented with idiopathic scoliosis and a past medical history significant for complete congenital heart block treated with a DDD*** pacemaker. During surgery, the use monopolar electrocautery caused the patient to develop asystole and loss of pulsatile blood pressure. Electrocautery was subsequently terminated, the patient then returned to a normal sinus rhythm and blood pressure normalized.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Bales
authors.forename: Jimmie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Colon
authors.forename: Usha
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ramadhyani
authors.forename: Elma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: LeDoux
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000151:congenital / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion