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    Dermatol Surg. 2004 Jul;30(7):1021-30.

    Mohs micrographic surgery in a patient with a deep brain stimulator: a review of the literature on implantable electrical devices.

    Martinelli PT, Schulze KE, Nelson BR.

    Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. paulmartinelli@hotmail.com

    BACKGROUND: Implantable electrical devices are becoming increasingly common in the patient population presenting for Mohs micrographic surgery. In addition to understanding the potential intraoperative complications with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and pacemakers, the Mohs surgeon needs to be aware of the relatively new treatment of movement disorders using implanted deep brain stimulators. OBJECTIVE: We present only the second reported case of Mohs surgery in a patient with a deep brain stimulator. In an attempt to help minimize adverse events during a procedure, we review the more commonly encountered electrical devices as well as the newer deep brain stimulators. We provide guidelines for the avoidance of electromagnetic interference during an electrosurgical procedure. METHODS: This 76-year-old patient with Parkinson's disease and an implanted deep brain stimulator underwent Mohs surgery for excision of a squamous cell carcinoma on the ear. In an attempt to minimize electromagnetic interference with his implanted device, hemostasis was obtained with the aid of a battery-operated heat-generating handheld electrocautery device. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the procedure well without complications or reports of discomfort. CONCLUSION: Patients with implanted electrical devices are subject to electromagnetic interference during an electrosurgical procedure. Care must be taken in this expanding patient population during a Mohs surgical procedure.

    PMID: 15209793 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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