Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
Today, we're diving into a critical topic in modern healthcare: the perioperative management of patients with implanted electronic devices undergoing noncardiac surgery. With significant advancements in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, are becoming increasingly common in the surgical population. From pre-op assessment and EMI planning to post-op reprogramming, this deep dive breaks down complex protocols into actionable, life-saving steps.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🔌 How electromagnetic interference (EMI) affects pacemakers & ICDs
🧲 When and how to use magnets during surgery
📋 Pre-op device ID, interrogation, and collaboration strategies
🛑 Why post-op reprogramming can’t be overlooked
⚠️ Emergency management tips for device failure or inappropriate therapy
📡 What to know about neurostimulators, VADs, and other devices
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at the AANA Hackathon.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
🎗 Beyond the Mask Podcast is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page 💛
Important Links:
"Managing patients with implanted cardiac devices requires careful preoperative preparation and diligent intraoperative management."
- Lynn & Garry
References
Comino-Trinidad, O., M. Baltar, I., Sandoval, E., Castel, M. Á., & Giménez-Milá, M. (2024). Anesthetic Approach for Non-Cardiac Procedures in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(18), 5475-. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185475
Comino-Trinidad, O., M. Baltar, I., Sandoval, E., Castel, M. Á., & Giménez-Milá, M. (2024). Anesthetic Approach for Non-Cardiac Procedures in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(18), 5475-. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185475
Costa, A., & Richman, D. C. (2016). Implantable Devices. Anesthesiology Clinics, 34(1), 185–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anclin.2015.10.014
Fleisher, L. A., Fleischmann, K. E., Auerbach, A. D., Barnason, S. A., Beckman, J. A., Bozkurt, B., Davila-Roman, V. G., Gerhard-Herman, M. D., Holly, T. A., Kane, G. C., Marine, J. E., Nelson, M. T., Spencer, C. C., Thompson, A., Ting, H. H., Uretsky, B. F., & Wijeysundera, D. N. (2014). 2014 ACC/AHA Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 64(22), e77–e137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2014.07.944
Healey, J. S., Merchant, R., Simpson, C., Tang, T., Beardsall, M., Tung, S., Fraser, J. A., Long, L., van Vlymen, J. M., Manninen, P., Ralley, F., Venkatraghavan, L., Yee, R., Prasloski, B., Sanatani, S., & Philippon, F. (2012). Society position statement: Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society joint position statement on the perioperative management of patients with implanted pacemakers, defibrillators, and neurostimulating devices. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, 59(4), 394–407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-012-9678-8
Hessel, E. A. (2014). Management of Patients With Implanted Ventricular Assist Devices for Noncardiac Surgery: A Clinical Review. Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 18(1), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089253213506788
Pavlović, N. (2018). Recommendations for Perioperative Management of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices. Acta Clinica Croatica (Tisak), 57(2), 383–390. https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2018.57.02.22
Stone, M. E., & Apinis, A. (2009). Current Perioperative Management of the Patient With a Cardiac Rhythm Management Device. Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 13(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089253209332211
Venkatraghavan, L., Chinnapa, V., Peng, P., & Brull, R. (2009). Non-cardiac implantable electrical devices: brief review and implications for anesthesiologists. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, 56(4), 320–326. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-009-9056-3
