Microshock

Microshock

Microshock is a risk in patients with intracardiac electrical conductors, such as external pacemaker electrodes, saline filled catheters, or weak or old heart tissue within the heart. A current as low as 10uA (microampere) directly through the heart, may send a patient directly into ventricular fibrillation. Modern devices include protections to limit current in cardiac-connected circuits to safe levels. However, microshock continues to be a concern in any condition where electrical conductors are run into the body in proximity of the heart i.e. cardiac catheterizations; precautions are taken to ensure current is not introduced through these conductors but should be regarded as a high degree of risk nontheless.


See also

Macroshock


References

  1. Gross J (2005) Less Jolts from Your Volts: Electrical Safety in the Operating Room. ASA Refresher Courses in Anesthesiology. 33(1):101-114