Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators in Dermatologic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Electrosurgery used during dermatologic surgical procedures can cause malfunction of pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), producing problems with rhythm detection, proper function, or alteration of the device. Well-documented safety data on electrosurgery in patients with cardiac devices are limited. At Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the Pacemaker Clinic manages all patients with pacemakers and ICDs undergoing dermatologic surgery. The preoperative and postoperative evaluations provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the safety of dermatologic surgery with electrosurgery in such patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to review the evaluation and management, by an experienced cardiology team, of patients with cardiac devices undergoing dermatologic surgery and to characterize perioperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients identified with pacemakers or ICDs undergoing Mohs micrographic or dermatologic excisional surgery with electrosurgery at Mayo Clinic 2001 through 2004 were identified. Data were abstracted to identify any possible complications. RESULTS: The 173 patients with pacemakers and 13 with ICDs undergoing dermatologic surgery had no documented complications from electrosurgery. CONCLUSION: The lack of complications associated with pacemakers and ICDs with electrosurgery is reassuring. The authors support published recommendations about techniques and precautions to optimize safety during electrosurgery in patients with cardiac devices. The care of patients with ICDs in particular requires special consideration.     

Cardiac Devices and Electromagnetic Interference Revisited: New Radiofrequency Technologies and Implications for Dermatologic Surgery

Background and Objective. As the number of patients with implantable cardiac devices escalates, inadvertent electromagnetic interference (EMI) by electrosurgery carries increasing concern for patient safety. Given the trend for dermatologic care delivery by nonphysician providers, supervising physicians must carefully consider the adequacy of perioperative evaluation in elective or cosmetic settings. Rapidly evolving technology also calls into question potential EMI of new therapeutic modalities (radiofrequency resurfacing, electrochemotherapy, and endovenous ablation). The most recently published recommendations (1998) for care of dermatologic patients with cardiac devices do not differ significantly from guidelines proposed in 1975. These recommendations, based on complications experienced during noncutaneous surgery, are exceedingly conservative and do not take into consideration the different electrosurgical modalities and varying degrees of EMI risk. In addition, modern cardiac devices have evolved significantly with increased sophistication in protection from EMI. A survey of dermatologic surgeons demonstrated low compliance with these existing guidelines.
Methods, Results, and Conclusions. Based on a review of the literature and current electrosurgical and cardiac devices, we discuss the potential impact of conventional dermatologic electrosurgery and new technologies. We propose that new perioperative guidelines are needed to provide appropriate safety, facile implementation, and cost-effective care for patients with modern implantable cardiac devices.     

Complications and recommended practices for electrosurgery in laparoscopy

BACKGROUND: Electrosurgery is one of the most commonly used energy systems in laparoscopic surgery. Two major categories of potential complications related to electrosurgery in laparoscopy are mechanical trauma and electrothermal injury. The latter can result from unrecognized energy transfer in the operational field or, less commonly, to unnoticed stray current outside the laparoscopic field of view. Stray current can result from insulation failure, direct coupling, or capacitive coupling. METHODS: We reviewed the literature concerning essential biophysics of electrosurgery, including electrosurgical waveform differentiation, tissue effect, and variables that determine tissue effect. The incidence of electrosurgical injuries and possible mechanisms responsible for the injuries are discussed. Different types of injuries may result in different clinical manifestations and histopathological findings. Gross and microscopic pathological check-ups of the injury sites may distinguish between different mechanisms, and thus provide further clues postoperatively. RESULTS: Several recommended practices are proposed to avoid electrosurgical injury laparoscopically. To achieve electrosurgical safety and to prevent electrosurgical injuries, the surgical team should have a good understanding of the biophysics of electrosurgery, the basis of equipment and general tissue effects, as well as the surgeon's spatial orientation and hand-eye coordination. Some intraoperative adjuvant procedures and newly developed safety devices have become available may aid to improve electrosurgical safety. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the biophysics of electrosurgery and the mechanisms of electrosurgical injury is important in recognizing potential complications of electrosurgery in laparoscopy. Procedures for prevention, intraoperative adjuvant maneuvers, early recognition of the injury with in-time salvage treatment, and alertness to postoperative warning signs can help reduce such complications.     

Cutaneous Electrosurgery in a Patient with a Deep Brain Stimulator

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulators are implantable devices with electrical activity used to treat certain movement disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. Similar to implantable cardiac devices, use of electrosurgery on patients with these devices may produce adverse effects. CASE REPORT: We describe the effects of electrosurgery on a patient with essential tremor and an implantable deep brain stimulator who required Mohs micrographic surgery to excise a basal cell carcinoma. The patient experienced immediate lancinating "electrical shock" using electrosurgery in the monopolar mode. The patient experienced no discomfort when a bipolar electrosurgical device was used or when his deep brain stimulator was "turned off." Appropriate positioning of the dispersive plate also reduced adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic surgeons should be aware of patients with devices implanted in the CNS with electrical activity and proceed with caution when using electrosurgery. Different approaches can be utilized to help reduce adverse effects.     

Active electrode monitoring

Background: In recent years, the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has expanded to a wide variety of surgical specialties. The increased popularity of the procedure, however, has been accompanied by its share of complications, including trocar lacerations and inadvertent thermal injuries to nontargeted tissues during monopolar electrosurgery. Methods: A survey on electrosurgical thermal injuries and three case studies are presented. The new technology of active electrode monitoring (AEM) is described. Results: AEM eliminates stray currents generated by insulation failure and capacitive coupling. Conclusions: To reduce the incidence of injury by monopolar electrosurgery at laparoscopy, there is a need for advanced technology, such as AEM. In addition, laparoscopic surgeons should be encouraged to study the basic concepts of the biophysics of electrosurgery. Received: 26 June 1997/Accepted: 10 December 1997     

Transurethral electrosurgery in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The article is devoted to topical problem of modern urology, one of the lines of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)--transurethral electrosurgery. Physical principles which are the basis of transurethral electrosurgical interventions and influence of transurethral electrosurgery on prostatic tissue are described. Methods of necessary preoperative examination of patients with BPH are presented. The most often used transurethral electrosurgical technique for destruction of hyperplastic prostatic tissue is described. The results of 5-year use of combination of transurethral electroresection and electrovaporisation in the treatment of BPH and its complications are presented. Ways of prophylaxis of possible complications are proposed.     

Electrosurgical Standing Cutaneous Cone Modification

BACKGROUND: Tissue redundancy manifesting as a standing cutaneous cone is a common surgical problem. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of electrosurgery to modify standing cutaneous cones. METHODS: Electrical current is applied via an electrosurgical needle to deep dermis and subcutaneous fat. The superficial dermis and epidermis are left undisturbed. In properly selected standing cones, correction of the standing cone is achieved without scar lengthening. RESULTS: Use of the technique can provide standing cone correction without lengthening the surgical scar. There has been no increase in wound failure or infection with the described technique. CONCLUSION: Electrosurgical modification complements existing surgical techniques for standing cutaneous cone repair.     

Comparative aspects of surgical treatment of hemorrhoid

Based on experience in treating 64 patients with chronic hemorrhoid a comparative clinical evaluation of efficiency of electrosurgical methods is carried out hemorrhoidectomy. Compared with traditional Milligan-Morgan surgery, electrosurgical method demonstrates the absence of intraoperative blood loss, a reduction in the algetic syndrome after surgery, a decrease in postoperative complications rates by 4.8 times. Physiological and physical activity, stool are also recovered by electrosurgery.     

Common myths about electrosurgery.

The electrosurgery device market is lucrative and highly competitive. Several device manufacturers exist, and many creative techniques are used to differentiate products. Some device manufacturers make claims in marketing campaigns that are difficult to reconcile with the laws of physics or basic physiology. The variety of claims may be confusing to surgeons desiring to purchase new electrosurgical products. Understanding a few basic principles of electrosurgery physics can allow a surgeon to be a more informed consumer of electrosurgical products. This article discusses the basic physics of electrosurgery and then addresses several common misconceptions about electrosurgery and electrosurgical devices.     

Electrosurgical methods for arthroscopic meniscectomy: A review of the literature

Purpose: To outline the development of electrosurgical (radiofrequency) devices, explain the basic principles, and review the current orthopaedic literature regarding the application of electrosurgery to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Materials and Methods: The history and principles of electrosurgery were obtained from various pertinent texts and journal articles. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE; reviewed articles consisted of articles in the English language cataloged between 1966 and January 1999. Results: The history and principles of electrosurgery are reviewed. The articles pertaining to arthroscopic electrosurgical meniscectomy are discussed with a separate discussion on the potential complications of using radiofrequency energy for meniscal ablation, including articular cartilage damage, osteonecrosis, and damage caused by irrigant. Conclusion: Electrosurgery has been shown to be an effective tool in arthroscopic meniscectomy. Further research and refinement is warranted because it may show superiority to other methods in certain situations.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 8 (November-December), 2000: pp 813–821     

Port site electrosurgical (diathermy) burns during surgical laparoscopy

Background: Direct and capacitive coupling of diathermy current have been reported as causes of occult injury during surgical laparoscopy. Methods: In order to determine the incidence of electrosurgical injury adjacent to metal and plastic cannulas, skin biopsies at 19 port sites used for monopolar electrosurgery were analyzed for coagulative necrosis. Prior to surgery the cannulas were randomized to either metal or plastic. Results: Coagulative necrosis was observed at nine electrosurgery port sites compared to only one control (χ²= 4.872; df= 1; 0.05 > p > 0.02). Plastic cannulas afforded no greater protection from skin burns than metal cannulas. Conclusions: Burns may be the result of direct or capacitive coupling to metal cannulas or capacitive coupling to the skin edge across plastic cannulas. The potential exists for burns to other tissues also in close proximity to a cannula used for electrosurgery. Received: 12 August 1996/Accepted 26 November 1996     

Designing safety into the minimally invasive surgical revolution

Surgical errors with minimally invasive surgery differ from those in open surgery. Perforations are typically the result of trocar introduction or electrosurgery. Infections include bioburdens, notably enteric viruses, on complex instruments. Retained foreign objects are primarily unretrieved device fragments and lost gallstones or other specimens. Fires and burns come from illuminated ends of fiber-optic cables and from electrosurgery. Pressure ischemia is more likely with longer endoscopic surgical procedures. Gas emboli can occur. Minimally invasive surgery is more dependent on complex equipment, with high likelihood of failures. Standardization, checklists, and problem reporting are solutions for minimizing failures. The necessity of electrosurgery makes education about best electrosurgical practices important. The recording of minimally invasive surgical procedures is an opportunity to debrief in a way that improves the reliability of future procedures. Safety depends on reliability, designing systems to withstand inevitable human errors. Safe systems are characterized by a commitment to safety, formal protocols for communications, teamwork, standardization around best practice, and reporting of problems for improvement of the system. Teamwork requires shared goals, mental models, and situational awareness in order to facilitate mutual monitoring and backup. An effective team has a flat hierarchy; team members are empowered to speak up if they are concerned about problems. Effective teams plan, rehearse, distribute the workload, and debrief. Surgeons doing minimally invasive surgery have a unique opportunity to incorporate the principles of safety into the development of their discipline.     

Electrosurgery and energised dissection

This article reviews the principles of electricity with its applications in electrosurgery. The basic concepts of current, voltage, wattage, impedance and energy are described. Thermal tissue effects are discussed with relation to modes of current application. The hazards of electrosurgery, their mechanisms and preventative measures are outlined. The clinical application and evolution of electrosurgical devices, including the standard monopolar and bipolar circuits, newer ultrasonic energy devices, advanced tissue energisers is also summarized. Special considerations in robotic surgery and gastrointestinal endosurgery are highlighted.     

Malfunctioning of infusion pumps due to interference from an electrosurgical unit

We observed the incidence of pump errors by the interference from the electrosurgical unit (Vallylab, Force 4B) set at coagulation or cut mode, with three infusion pumps: Terumo STC-523, STC-525 and STC-525-01. The STC-525-01 painted with electrically conductive paint inside was used during electrosurgery on experimental basis. Malfunctioning of the STC-523 pump occurred frequently by using electrosurgical unit set at coagulation mode and placed close to the pump. The STC-525-01 showed markedly lower incidence of malfunctioning. Therefore, the STC-252-01 pump can be used safely during electrosurgery. Additionally, we discovered, through an estimation of radiated electrical field around the electrosurgical unit, the cable of an active electrode was important as an interference source. To minimize electrosurgical interferences, we propose the following recommendations; 1) keeping the infusion pump and its AC line as far as possible from the active electrode cable, 2) keeping the output of electrosurgical unit as low as possible, 3) operating the pump with its internal battery power supply, and 4) monitoring the operation of the pump while using electrosurgery.     

Energy sources for laparoscopic colectomy: a prospective randomized comparison of conventional electrosurgery, bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgery and ultrasonic dissection. Operative outcome and costs analysis

The development of operative laparoscopic surgery is linked to advances in ancillary surgical instrumentation. Ultrasonic energy devices avoid the use of electricity and provide effective control of small- to medium-sized vessels. Bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgical technology eliminates the disadvantages of electrical energy, and a mechanical blade adds a cutting action. This instrument can provide effective hemostasis of large vessels up to 7 mm. Such devices significantly increase the cost of laparoscopic procedures, however, and the amount of evidence-based information on this topic is surprisingly scarce. This study compared the effectiveness of three different energy sources on the laparoscopic performance of a left colectomy. The trial included 38 nonselected patients with a disease of the colon requiring an elective segmental left-sided colon resection. Patients were preoperatively randomized into three groups. Group I had electrosurgery; vascular dissection was performed entirely with an electrosurgery generator, and vessels were controlled with clips. Group II underwent computer-controlled bipolar electrosurgery; vascular and mesocolon section was completed by using the 10-mm Ligasure device alone. In group III, 5-mm ultrasonic shears (Harmonic Scalpel) were used for bowel dissection, vascular pedicle dissection, and mesocolon transection. The mesenteric vessel pedicle was controlled with an endostapler. Demographics (age, sex, body mass index, comorbidity, previous surgery and diagnoses requiring surgery) were recorded, as were surgical details (operative time, conversion, blood loss), additional disposable instruments (number of trocars, EndoGIA charges, and clip appliers), and clinical outcome. Intraoperative economic costs were also evaluated. End points of the trial were operative time and intraoperative blood loss, and an intention-to-treat principle was followed. The three groups were well matched for demographic and pathologic features. Surgical time was significantly longer in patients operated on with conventional electrosurgery vs the Harmonic Scalpel or computed-based bipolar energy devices. This finding correlated with a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss. Conversion to other endoscopic techniques was more frequent in Group I; however, conversion to open surgery was similar in all three groups. No intraoperative accident related to the use of the specific device was observed in any group. Immediate outcome was similar in the three groups, without differences in morbidity, mortality, or hospital stay. Analysis of operative costs showed no significant differences between the three groups. High-energy power sources specifically adapted for endoscopic surgery reduce operative time and blood loss and may be considered cost-effective when left colectomy is used as a model.     

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dermatologic Surgery: Updated Guidelines

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery is poorly understood, and data on its use are lacking. Prophylaxis is indicated for the prevention of endocarditis and prosthesis infection, as well as surgical site infection. OBJECTIVE: We review essential considerations for the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery and provide clear guidelines for practical implementation. METHODS: Guidelines were developed after review of the literature and consultation with infectious disease specialists and subspecialists in the areas of cardiac, orthopedic, and neurosurgical infectious disease at Mayo Clinic. RESULTS: Three factors affect the decision to use prophylactic antibiotics in dermatologic surgery: (1) the underlying indication for prophylaxis (patient risk stratification), (2) the condition of the skin, and (3) the specific procedure planned. Thorough preoperative evaluation and surgical planning are critical in identifying and optimizing patient and environmental risk factors that may increase the risk of infection. Appropriate antibiotic selections with site-specific consideration and appropriate timing of antibiotic administration are key factors in providing effective prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Low rates of infection associated with dermatologic surgical procedures warrant selective use of antibiotic prophylaxis. The proposed guidelines reflect current standards of practice.     

Ultrasonic energy vs monopolar electrosurgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: The influence of surgical operations on the systemic immune response is proportional to the degree of trauma. Ultrasonic surgery can dissect structures and divide vessels by the effect produced by vibrations in the tissues. It is believed to be less traumatic than the more commonly used monopolar electrosurgery. This randomized study compares the systemic immune response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed using either ultrasonic energy or monopolar electrosurgery. Methods: Eighteen patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to treatment using either a harmonic scalpel and clips or monopolar electrosurgery and clips. Postoperative inflammatory response was assessed via changes in the white blood cell count and levels of C-reactive protein. Postoperative immune function was assessed by measuring monocyte HLA-DR expression. Results: Both the harmonic scalpel and the use of monopolar electrosurgery resulted in activation of the systemic immune response. No significant differences between the two groups were observed. Conclusion: The harmonic scalpel and monopolar electrosurgery are equally traumatic in terms of activation of the systemic immune response.     

Electrosurgery, Pacemakers and ICDs: A Survey of Precautions and Complications Experienced by Cutaneous Surgeons

BACKGROUND: Minimal information is available in the literature regarding the precautions implemented or complications experienced by cutaneous surgeons when electrosurgery is used in patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The literature pertinent to dermatologists is primarily based on experiences of other surgical specialties and a generally recommended thorough perioperative evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To determine what precautions are currently taken by cutaneous surgeons in patients with pacemakers or ICDs, and what types of complications have occurred due to electrosurgery in a dermatologic setting. METHODS: In the winter of 2000, a survey was mailed to 419 U.S.-based members of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (ACMMSCO). RESULTS: A total of 166 (40%) surveys were returned. Routine precautions included utilizing short bursts of less than 5 seconds (71%), use of minimal power (61%), and avoiding use around the pacemaker or ICD (57%). The types of interference reported were skipped beats (eight patients), reprogramming of a pacemaker (six patients), firing of an ICD (four patients), asystole (three patients), bradycardia (two patients), depleted battery life of a pacemaker (one patient), and an unspecified tachyarrhythmia (one patient). Overall there was a low rate of complications (0.8 cases/100 years of surgical practice), with no reported significant morbidity or mortality. Bipolar forceps were utilized by 19% of respondents and were not associated with any incidences of interference. CONCLUSIONS: Significant interference to pacemakers or ICDs rarely results from office-based electrosurgery. No clear community practice standards regarding precautions was evident from this survey. The use of bipolar forceps or true electrocautery are the better options when electrosurgey is required. These two modalities may necessitate fewer perioperative precautions than generally recommended, without compromising patient safety.     

Electrosurgical methods for arthroscopic meniscectomy

Purpose: To outline the development of electrosurgical (radiofrequency) devices, explain the basic principles, and review the current orthopaedic literature regarding the application of electrosurgery to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Materials and Methods: The history and principles of electrosurgery were obtained from various pertinent texts and journal articles. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE; reviewed articles consisted of articles in the English language cataloged between 1966 and January 1999. Results: The history and principles of electrosurgery are reviewed. The articles pertaining to arthroscopic electrosurgical meniscectomy are discussed with a separate discussion on the potential complications of using radiofrequency energy for meniscal ablation, including articular cartilage damage, osteonecrosis, and damage caused by irrigant. Conclusion: Electrosurgery has been shown to be an effective tool in arthroscopic meniscectomy. Further research and refinement is warranted because it may show superiority to other methods in certain situations.     

Needs Assessment for Electrosurgery Training of Residents and Faculty in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background and Objectives:

Effective application of electrosurgical techniques requires knowledge of energy sources and electric circuits to produce desired tissue effects. A lack of electrosurgery knowledge may negatively affect patient outcomes and safety. Our objective was to survey obstetrics-gynecology trainees and faculty to assess their basic knowledge of electrosurgery concepts as a needs assessment for formal electrosurgery training.

Methods:

We performed an observational study with a sample of convenience at 2 academic hospitals (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Mount Auburn Hospital). Grand rounds dedicated to electrosurgery teaching were conducted at each department of obstetrics and gynecology, where a short electrosurgery multiple-choice examination was administered to attendees.

Results:

The face validity of the test content was obtained from a gynecologic electrosurgery specialist. Forty-four individuals completed the examination. Test scores were analyzed by level of training to investigate whether scores positively correlated with more advanced career stages. The median test score was 45.5% among all participants (interquartile range, 36.4%–54.5%). Senior residents scored the highest (median score, 54.5%), followed by attendings (median score, 45.5%), junior residents and fellows (median score in both groups, 36.4%), and medical students (median score, 27.3%).

Conclusion:

Although surgeons have used electrosurgery for nearly a century, it remains poorly understood by most obstetrician-gynecologists. Senior residents, attendings, junior residents, and medical students all show a general deficiency in electrosurgery comprehension. This study suggests that there is a need for formal electrosurgery training. A standardized electrosurgery curriculum with a workshop component demonstrating clinically useful concepts essential for safe surgical practice is advised.