Hyfrecators: No In Vitro Interference with Implantable Cardiac Devices

Hyfrecators are used for in-office electrosurgery. The devices emit low-power, high-frequency AC electrical pulses to destroy tissue directly and stop bleeding. Anecdotal experience has suggested that hyfrecation in cutaneous surgery is very safe, even in patients with cardiac disease and implanted devices. To assess the electromagnetic interference potential of these devices and possible problems in patients with cardiac rhythm management devices, these investigators simulated hyfrecator cutaneous surgery in a simulated cardiac environment.

The simulated cardiac environment consisted of a collagen-based saline gel with resistivity similar to human soft tissue, three implantable pulse generators (pacemakers), and three implantable cardiovert…