Pacemakers and defibrillators: anaesthetic implications

The assessment and management of a patient who has an implanted cardiac device does require some special attention. Anticipation of behaviour, both of the patient and of the device, is the key to safe management and an uncomplicated procedure. When device interrogation facilities are not available locally, the most important information can be gained from careful history taking, inspection of the patient's device information card and by contacting the pacing clinic that the patient attends. Device manufacturers are also useful sources of information and support, and contact details are available on device identification cards. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2004.