Key result
Ultrasonic scalpel safely avoids electrocautery-induced pacemaker dysfunction during open-heart reoperation.
Why the study?
Electrocautery poses a potential risk of serious pacemaker dysfunction in patients with implanted pacemakers undergoing open-heart surgery.
Is the ultrasonic scalpel safe to use in patients with implanted pacemakers undergoing open-heart reoperation?
Comparison
Use of ultrasonic scalpel versus electrocautery
Design
Case report
Authors
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May support ultrasonic scalpel consideration near pacemakers; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Is the ultrasonic scalpel safe to use in patients with implanted pacemakers undergoing open-heart reoperation?
Ultrasonic scalpels may offer a safe alternative to electrocautery in patients with pacemakers undergoing cardiac surgery.
Murat Özeren (2002) studied this question. An ultrasonic scalpel was safely and efficiently used during an open-heart reoperation in a patient with an implanted pacemaker, avoiding electrocautery-induced pacemaker dysfunction.
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