Surgery and diathermy

• by Nornor
• 2011-04-15 02:04:13
• Interferences
• 2927 views
• 1 comments

Surgery and diathermy

I have just returned from Adelaide where I had both my carpal tunnels released through arthroscopic surgery. As I have a bi-ventricular CRT pacemaker-ICD, I had a Medtronic magnet, which looks like a blue donut, placed over my device to protect the defibrillator component from possible affects arising from the surgeon’s use of diathermy; in this case, bi-polar diathermy which is, I believe, the lesser problem of the two types of diathermy. The magnet was put in place by the anesthetist during the procedure’s preparation and removed immediately following the surgery. My heart was, of course, monitored during the surgery. Although the magnet temporarily de-activated the ICD, the pacemaker was still able to continue the pacing of my heart. During previous operations I have had a Medtronic technician turn off the ICD for the duration of the procedure, so this was my first use of the magnet during surgery and I must admit to being a little apprehensive beforehand. The carpal tunnel procedures were successful and now having experienced the magnet trick during an operation, I will feel more comfortable in the future, if it is required again for a minor procedure.

I thought that my experience may be of interest.

Neville (Australia)