Electro-acupuncture therapy in a patient with a total artificial heart

Acupunct Med. 2011 Dec;29(4):302-3. doi: 10.1136/acupmed.2011.010051. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

Interaction between the electrical system of implanted cardiovascular devices and electrical stimulation of acupuncture points (electro-acupuncture) can be life-threatening. As a result, there is reluctance to use this modality in patients who have been implanted with any cardiac device. A patient with a total artificial heart was successfully treated with electro-acupuncture for inflammatory arthritis without any adverse events. This case illustrates the safety of electro-acupuncture in patients with a total artificial heart.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis / therapy*
  • Electric Stimulation*
  • Electroacupuncture / adverse effects*
  • Heart, Artificial*
  • Humans