Key result
Radiofrequency ablation in patients with pacemakers resulted in sensing failures in 32.0% and pacing failures in 16.0%, with no pacemaker damage observed.
Why the study?
How do pacemakers behave during radiofrequency ablation procedures?
Observational (n=25)
How do pacemakers behave during radiofrequency ablation procedures?
Radiofrequency ablation can cause transient sensing and pacing failures in patients with pacemakers, highlighting the need for generator deactivation and external pacing during the procedure.
There are increasing numbers of radiofrequency current ablation procedures being reported. Selected patients have antitachycardia or antibradycardia pacemakers. The pacemaker behavior during and after ablation procedures differs widely. We report on the pacemaker reaction of 25 patients with 13 different devices, most with unipolar electrodes. Sensing failures were observed in 8 (32.0%) and pacing failures in 4 (16.0%) patients. Prolonged pauses and induction of tachyarrhythmias were observed. No pacemaker damage was seen although it is reported by other investigators. We recommend deactivation of implanted generators and an external bipolar pacing electrode. Manufacturers should focus their attention on this problem and protect the generators and their functions for 500 kHz radiofrequency current.
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Pfeiffer et al. (1995) conducted an observational in Patients with pacemakers undergoing radiofrequency ablation (n=25). Radiofrequency ablation was evaluated on Pacemaker reaction (sensing and pacing failures). Radiofrequency ablation in patients with pacemakers resulted in sensing failures in 32.0% and pacing failures in 16.0%, with no pacemaker damage observed.
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