• Can J Anaesth · Jul 1991

    Case Reports

    Electrocautery-induced pacemaker malfunction during surgery.

    • D Mangar, G M Atlas, and P B Kane.
    • Department of Anesthesiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33612-4799.
    • Can J Anaesth. 1991 Jul 1; 38 (5): 616-8.

    AbstractWe report a case of electrocautery-induced pacemaker failure that resulted in asystole in a 15-year-old girl scheduled for cardiac surgery. Her pacemaker was converted to the asynchronous mode the night before surgery. Electromagnetic interference from the unipolar electrocautery caused a reduction in the battery voltage, which allowed the digital circuitry, but not the voltage control oscillator (VCO), to work properly. Eventually the battery current drain caused VCO "lock-out," and pacemaker and battery failure. This report demonstrates that electrocautery-induced pacemaker failure can occur, even after conversion to asynchronous mode.

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