DIATHERMY

Can anyone tell me about the possible interferences between the pacemaker and the diathermy used during surgical operations? Thank you.

2 Comments

Diathermy

by J.B. - 2009-05-17 03:05:46

The following is what I was given on the use of an electrosurgical unit on me.

Special precautions should be taken when using the Electrosurgical Unit (ESU) with patients with pacemakers & automatic defibrillators as the use of the ESU may interfere with the pacemaker's circuitry Patients with pacemakers should have continual ECG monitoring during ESU use.

The following additional precautions should be observed for children with pacemakers:
Ensure the distance between the active electrode & the dispersive electrode is as short as possibleKeep all ESU cables away from the pacemaker & its leads
Have a defibrillator immediately available for emergencies during surgery
Use bipolar where possible
Have a magnet or control unit available

Patients with automatic implantable cardioverter / defibrillator (ACID) should have:
The ACID device deactivated before the ESU is activated
A defibrillator immediately available for use

Diathermy issue

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-17 09:05:25

One of the best recommendation I have heard is to have an EP or pacemaker rep present during the electro surgery. They can often put the pacer into a mode where it is less susceptible to interference and reprogram it if it goes into reset mode.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You always have something close to your heart.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.