ELECTROCAUTERY IN PATIENTS CARRYING PACEM AKERS - WHICH SAFETY-PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN

Since the early days of pacemaker development electromagnetic interfer ence (EMI) has always been a major concern and challenge to engineers, producers and physicians. The latter has to be aware of adverse effec ts of certain electric medical devices used near or on a patient carry ing a pacemaker. Although highly sophisticated circuits and filters in side modern pacemakers can reject most EMI, concerns still remain and normal pacemaker function can be affected. EMI can be triggered by a v ariety of medical devices such as electrocautery, magnetic resonance i maging, diathermy, cardioversion and defibrillation, therapeutic radia tion and lithotripsy. This article addresses the possible effects of e lectrocautery and the precautions that should be taken in case such a device has to be used on a patient with a pacemaker.