Case report: use caution when applying magnets to pacemakers or defibrillators for surgery

Anesth Analg. 2013 Aug;117(2):422-7. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31829003a1. Epub 2013 Jun 11.

Abstract

The application of a magnet to a pacemaker (intended to cause asynchronous pacing) or implanted cardioverter defibrillator (intended to prevent shocks) during surgery without a clear understanding of actual magnet function(s) or precautions can have unexpected, untoward, or harmful consequences. In this report, we present 3 cases in which inadequate assessment of cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) function, coupled with magnet application, contributed to or resulted in inappropriate antitachycardia pacing or shocks, CIED damage, or patient injury. Although these cases might be rare, they reinforce the need for a timely, detailed preoperative review of CIED function and programming as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Heart Rhythm Society.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Care
  • Magnets / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Risk Factors