Ventricular Fibrillation Associated With Use of Electrocautery

Abstract

WITH the introduction of many electrical instruments into the operating room, there are increased hazards.¹The electrocautery has decreased operating time and blood loss, but in conjunction with monitoring equipment has caused burns. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of ventricular fibrillation that occurred during use of the electrosurgical unit in a patient being monitored by many instruments. We are unaware of a previous report of ventricular fibrillation associated with use of the electrosurgical unit. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 24-year-old woman was scheduled for elective surgical correction of an asymptomatic secundum-type atrial septal defect. Cardiac catheterization three days before operation was uneventful and demonstrated a calculated 4.2:1 left to right shunt with right ventricular enlargement and no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. On the morning of surgery, premedication was given intramuscularly: atropine sulfate, 0.6 mg; morphine sulfate, 10 mg; and diazepam, 10 mg, two hours