Radiation therapy in patients with cardiac rhythm management devices:

• Increased likelihood of electromagnetic interference
• Is usually safe when device is outside the field of radiation, but to avoid internal component failure most manufacturers recomend to check the device prior to the procedure and after completion of therapy.
• May require movement of the device prior to beginning radiation therapy

1. Salukhe TV, Dob D, Sutton R. Pacemakers and defibrillators: anaesthetic implications. Br J Anaesth. 2004;93:95–104.
2. Zaidan JR, Atlee JL, Belott P, Briesacher KS, Connis RT. Practice Advisory for the Perioperative Management of Patients with Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices: Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators. Anesthesiology. 2005;103:186–98.
3. Stone ME, Apinis, A. Current Perioperative Management of the Patient With a Cardiac Rhythm Management Device. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2009;13(1):31–43.