Fluoroscope-generated electromagnetic interference in an external demand pacemaker: report of a case.

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference presented as inhibition and resetting of the demand circuitry of a ventricular-inhibited temporary external pacemaker in a 70 yr old man undergoing surgical implantation of a permanent bipolar pacemaker generator and lead. The arrhythmia was found to be due to oversensing of waveforms modulated to simulate myocardial potentials emitted by a faulty fluoroscopy unit used in the vicinity of external temporary transvenous pacing equipment. The need for continuous monitoring of patients treated with external demand pacemakers and for the careful maintenance of all electrical equipment was discussed.