Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators in Dermatologic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery: a review of indications, technique, outcomes, and considerations

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized form of skin cancer surgery that has the highest cure rates for several cutaneous malignancies. Certain skin cancers can have small extensions or “roots” that may be missed if an excised tumor is serially cross-sectioned in a “bread-loaf” fashion, commonly performed on excision specimens. The method of Mohs micrographic surgery is unique in that the dermatologist (Mohs surgeon) acts as both surgeon and pathologist, from the preoperative considerations until the reconstruction. Since Dr. Mohs’s initial work in the 1930s, the practice of Mohs micrographic surgery has become increasingly widespread among the dermatologic surgery community worldwide and is considered the treatment of choice for many common and uncommon cutaneous neoplasms. Mohs micrographic surgery spares the maximal amount of normal tissue and is a safe procedure with very few complications, most of them managed by Mohs surgeons in their offices. Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for high risks basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and is commonly and increasingly used for melanoma and other rare tumors with superior cure rates. This review better familiarizes the dermatologists with the technique, explains the difference between Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision, and discusses its main indications.

Dermatologic surgery on the chest wall in patients with a cardiac surgery history: a review of material that may be encountered intraoperatively, including potential complications and suggestions for proceeding safely

Background

Thoracic surgical procedures and the use of cardiac devices such as pacemakers are becoming increasingly prevalent in the population. As such, dermatologists may have a greater likelihood of encountering previously implanted or abandoned surgical material in the course of dermatologic surgery on the chest wall. A basic understanding of the wire types and the tunneling paths utilized in such procedures is important in accurately anticipating the presence of these wires to effectively manage any chance encounters.

Objective

We present a review on temporary epicardial pacing wires, temporary transvenous pacing wires, pacemaker leads, and surgical steel sutures in the context of dermatologic surgery.

Methods

A literature review was performed on frequently used wire material in patients with a history of cardiac surgery as well as related dermatologic complications from these materials.

Results & Conclusion

Dermatologic surgeons should particularly be aware that temporary epicardial pacing wires and pacemaker leads are not uncommonly abandoned in the chest wall of many patients. All patients with a cardiac surgery history should be questioned about possible retained wires. If wire material is encountered intraoperatively, immediately stop the procedure and do not attempt further manipulation of the wire until suggested steps are taken to ascertain the wire type.

Electrosurgery in patients with implantable electronic cardiac devices (pacemakers and defibrillators)

The electrosurgical unit is a very useful tool widely used in dermatology to treat benign and malignant skin lesions and to achieve hemostasis during surgery. However, precautions are required when this technique is used in patients with implantable electronic cardiac devices (IECD), such as pacemakers and defibrillators, because electromagnetic interference produced by the tool may cause such devices to malfunction. Before using electrosurgery in patients with IECDs, it is essential to ascertain the type of implanted device and the patient's level of dependence on it. The location of the skin lesion to be treated with respect to the device should also be assessed. Bipolar pacemakers are more resistant to interference. Appropriate monitoring and the use of bipolar forceps are recommended.