Background: Electrosurgery is frequently employed in the treatment of skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions in the elderly. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are most commonly seen in this older population. Potentially hazardous electrosurgical interference exists with the function of ICDs and pacemakers in this setting.
Objective: Our goal is to review the potential hazards of electrosurgery in patients with ICDs and pacemakers and to suggest a perioperative management plan.
Methods: Review of the medical literature on electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers was accomplished in addition to a case report of ventricular tachycardia during Mohs surgery on a patient with an ICD.
Results: Multiple case reports and reviews from the nonder-matologic literature demonstrate that a real hazard exists.
Conclusion: Knowledge of the potential electrosurgical interference with ICDs and pacemakers is required to perform these procedures safely. A perioperative management plan is suggested.