Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Sep 1996
Acute effects of radiofrequency ablation of atrial arrhythmias on implanted permanent pacing systems.
We studied the safety of performing RF catheter ablation in patients with implanted permanent pacemakers by monitoring the function of implanted pacing systems before, during, and immediately after exposure to RF energy. Patients with implanted pacing systems may require RF ablation for treatment of a variety of tachyarrhythmias. High frequency electromagnetic fields, such as RF energy, may affect implanted pacing systems, causing temporary or permanent loss of output, undersensing, oversensing, asynchronous pacing, or reversion to "reset" (Recommended Replacement Time or Power On Reset) parameters. ⋯ We conclude that most permanent pacemakers are not adversely affected by exposure to RF energy during catheter ablation. A variety of pacemaker behaviors may be seen during RF ablation, and a thorough understanding of each pulse generator's potential response(s) to electromagnetic interference is important before undertaking catheter ablation in patients with permanent pacemakers. Careful reevaluation of the patient's pacing system following the procedure is mandatory.