[Interferences and cardiac pacemakers--defibrillators. Results of in vivo experiments and radio frequencies].

Interference with cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators by cellular phone and electronic article surveillance systems is shown in experimental studies with disparate findings. Interaction occurrence in real life is a convincing but rare experience. Device model, distance, power output and technology of the source are different and sometimes uncontrollable factors.

[Hereditary resistance to vitamin K antagonists. Apropos of a case].

Resistance to vitamin K antagonists is a rare phenomenon. In general, it is the result of poor patient compliance, malabsorption, a diet rich in vitamin K, or the use of enzyme inducers. Occasionally, the diagnosis of resistance is made when plasma levels are high.

[Heart perforation following transvenous implantation of a cardiac pacemaker].

Objectives: We studied the incidence, clinical signs and severity of heart perforations occurring after transvenous pacemaker implantation.

Patients And Methods: A series of 16 consecutive cases of heart perforation observed in one cardiac pacing unit from 1989 to 1998 were reviewed.

Results: Heart perforation occurred after implantation in 9 cases; the verall incidence for all lead implantation was 0.

[Use of percutaneous anesthesia in cardiac pacemaker implantation].

Objectives: Assess the efficacy of an anesthesic cream for pacemaker implantations.

Methods: Percutaneous anesthesia was studied in a series of permanent pacemaker transvenous implantations. The anesthesic cream composed of a mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine was applied precisely over operative areas after marking the skin.

Noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing: modern instrumentation and new perspectives.

Noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing has evolved from a simple stand alone unit with no ventricular sensing to a complete cardiac arrest resuscitation system combining synchronous pacing and defibrillation capabilities and using a single set of multifunction electrodes. In current instrumentation, four configurations exist including stand alone unit, modular configuration, built-in monitor and recorder, and built-in monitor, recorder and defibrillator. In present day devices, ventricular sensing, extensive programmability, and large surface electrodes are general features.