Dr. Ian Weisberg — Effects of Pulsed RF Energy Compared to Standard Electrocautery on Transvenous Lead Materials
Dr. Ian Weisberg Dr. Ian Weisberg , Shrojal M. Desai PhD, Paul O. Davison MS, Dipak P. Shah MD, Jose Baez-Escudero MD, John F. Beshai MD, Martin C. Burke DO and Bradley P. Knight MD. University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago IL, Boston Scientific CRM, St. Paul MN, Peak Surgical Incorporation, Palo Alto CA Abstract Introduction: Standard electrocautery can cause thermal injury to the insulation of transvenous pacing and defibrillation leads. There is a novel surgical cutting blade that uses pulsed radiofrequency (RF) to generate a plasma-mediated discharge along the exposed rim of an insulated blade, creating an effective cutting edge while minimizing collateral thermal damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of electrocautery using the pulsed RF blade on transvenous lead insulation materials. Methods : A preparation of chicken breasts at 37°C was used with transvenous leads tunneled superficially. Energy was delivered using a standard cautery blade and ...