Mjg. Levasseur et al., DERMATOLOGICAL ELECTROSURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORS AND PACEMAKERS, Dermatologic surgery, 24(2), 1998, pp. 233-240
BACKGROUND. Electrosurgery is frequently employed in the treatment of
skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions in the elderly. Implanta
ble cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are most commonl
y 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 ele
ctrosurgery in patients with ICDs and pacemakers and to suggest a peri
operative management plan. METHODS. Review of the medical literature o
n electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers was accomplish
ed 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 nondermatologic literature demonstrate that a real ha
zard exists. CONCLUSION. Knowledge of the potential electrosurgical in
terference with ICDs and pacemakers is required to perform these proce
dures safely. A perioperative management plan is suggested. (C) 1998 b
y the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.