Electrosurgery, Pacemakers and ICDs

Monitoring Vital Signs during Outpatient Mohs and Post-Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Performed under Local Anesthesia

“…Very little has been published regarding the use of intraoperative monitoring techniques by dermatologic surgeons. One article to partially address this question was published by El‐Gamal et al 4 These authors found, by means of a survey of Mohs surgeons, that when operating on patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators only 17% employ intraoperative monitoring techniques. One of the most common precautionary measures taken in this patient population was the presence of a person (68%) or staff (64%) trained in advanced cardiac life support.…”

Electrocautery and Computerized Bipolar Coagulation Simplify Nail Surgery

“…Bipolar coagulation and cautery equipment do not interfere with pacemakers, intracardiac electronic devices, or artificial joints, 4 nor do they need a grounding plate. Thus cautery and bipolar coagulation units are ideal for nail surgery.…”

Radiowave Surgery versus CO2Laser for Upper Blepharoplasty Incision: Which Modality Produces the Most Aesthetic Incision?

“…The anesthesia personnel must be aware of these possible changes. Radiowave generation can also be problematic with cardiac pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICD) 29–33 . Older, not‐shielded pacemakers could be interrupted by radiowaves but contemporary pacemakers are shielded and are not generally problematic.…”