Case report: Perioperative pacemaker-mediated tachycardia in the patient with a dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Anesth Analg. 2013 Feb;116(2):307-10. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182768ce3. Epub 2012 Dec 24.

Abstract

Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices are at additional risk for arrhythmias while undergoing surgical procedures. In this case report, we present a patient with a dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator who developed intraoperative pacemaker-mediated tachycardia causing significant hemodynamic instability. Management of this arrhythmia can be particularly challenging, because standard application of a magnet does not affect the pacing functions of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Awareness by the anesthesiologist and timely coordination with the cardiac electrophysiology team helped to optimize care for this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, General
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Hip / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Perioperative Period
  • Phenylephrine / therapeutic use
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Tachycardia / etiology
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology*
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vasoconstrictor Agents
  • Phenylephrine