BACKGROUND: Electrosurgery is frequently employed in the treatment of skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions in the elderly. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are most commonly seen in this older population. Potentially hazardous electrosurgical interference exists with the function of ICDs and pacemakers in this setting. OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to review the potential hazards of electrosurgery in patients with ICDs and pacemakers and to suggest a perioperative management plan. METHODS: Review of the medical literature on electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers was accomplished in addition to a case report of ventricular tachycardia during Mohs surgery on a patient with an ICD. RESULTS: Multiple case reports and reviews from the nonder-matologic literature demonstrate that a real hazard exists. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the potential electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers is required to perform these procedures safely. A perioperative management plan is suggested.
BACKGROUND: Electrosurgery is frequently employed in the treatment of skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions in the elderly. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are most commonly seen in this older population. Potentially hazardous electrosurgical interference exists with the function of ICDs and pacemakers in this setting. OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to review the potential hazards of electrosurgery in patients with ICDs and pacemakers and to suggest a perioperative management plan. METHODS: Review of the medical literature on electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers was accomplished in addition to a case report of ventricular tachycardia during Mohs surgery on a patient with an ICD. RESULTS: Multiple case reports and reviews from the nonder-matologic literature demonstrate that a real hazard exists. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the potential electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers is required to perform these procedures safely. A perioperative management plan is suggested.
Authors: Allen G Strickler; Payal Shah; Shirin Bajaj; Richard Mizuguchi; Rajiv I Nijhawan; Mercy Odueyungbo; Anthony Rossi; Désirée Ratner Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2021-01-23 Impact factor: 15.487