Electrosurgery and cardiac devices

The increased number of patients with implantable cardiac devices presents a unique challenge to physicians performing office-based electrosurgical procedures. Electrosurgery can be performed safely if the electrosurgical techniques and potential risks from these devices are understood. We present an overview of the most common types of implantable cardiac devices, potential complications associated with them, and recommendations for preoperative evaluation, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative follow-up.