Pacemaker-driven tachycardia induced by electrocardiograph monitoring in the recovery room

Abstract

Monitoring devices are known to induce tachycardia in minute-ventilation rate-responsive pacemakers. This is because some monitoring devices measure the same parameter as do the pacemakers (change in thoracic impedance). Hence, the biological signal to the pacemaker is increased and is misconstrued as increased minute ventilation causing tachycardia which resolves when the monitoring device is removed. Whilst this could occur for all minute-volume rate responsive pacemakers, most reported interactions have been with the Telectronics META series. We present a case of an interaction between a Telectronics Tempo DR pacemaker (St. Jude Medical) and an Agilent Patient Care System (Philips). Failure to recognise the true nature and cause of such tachycardias may lead to mismanagement of the patient, including the inappropriate use of cardio-active medications.