Implications of a Permanent Cardiac Pacemaker in Peripheral Nerve Blockade. Issue 3 (1st April 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manickam, Baskar P.; Brull, Richard
• Is Part Of: Regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Volume 34:Issue 3(2009)
• Page Start: 233-235
• Page End: 233-235
• Publication Date: 2009-04-01
• Subjects: Conduction anesthesia -- Periodicals; Pain medicine -- Periodicals; 617.964
• DOI: 10.1097/AAP.0b013e31819a8a81
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-7339

Abstract

Abstract : Patients with permanent cardiac pacemakers (PPMs) are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference from electrical equipment used in the operating room environment. Electromagnetic interference may lead to PPM malfunction with potential harmful effects to the patient. Conventional techniques for peripheral nerve blockade include the use of electrical nerve stimulation (NS) for nerve localization. The hazards of NS, especially when applied near the implanted PPM sites, are not known. In the absence of available guidelines regarding the safe use of NS in the setting of an implanted PPM, we recommend a combined guidance approach for peripheral nerve blockade using ultrasound for nerve localization along with low-current NS for nerve identification.