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Therapeutic Irradiation over a Permanent Cardiac Pacemaker
Author(s) -
TESKEY R.J.,
WHELAN I.,
AKYUREKLI Y.,
EAPEN L.,
GREEN M.S.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1991.tb05080.x
Subject(s) - medicine , backup , irradiation , radiation therapy , cardiac pacemaker , cardiology , database , physics , computer science , nuclear physics
Therapeutic irradiation of fields containing cardiac pacemakers presents a unique problem to pacemaker physicians and radiation oncologists alike. The present case involved a proposed radiation field containing both subclavian pockets. As an alternative solution, the Cordis model 334A implantable pulse generator was irradiated using a backup temporary pacemaker that was kept outside of any significant radiation exposure. A total of 60 Gy was delivered in 30 fractions, with backup temporary pacing and continuous ECG monitoring used for the first 5 fractions. Frequent re‐evaluation of pacing and sensing function revealed no changes as a result of irradiation; following radiotherapy, transtelephonic monitoring showed normal pacemaker function for a 4 month follow‐up. This represents a useful alternative, particularly for nonmultiprogrammable pacemakers that are made of more radiation‐resistant technology.