Intraoperative use of automated external defibrillator

We report on the anesthetic management of a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy and frequent episodes of ventricular tachycardia, who underwent surgery for tracheal stenosis. Prior to this surgery, the patient had been implanted with an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), placed abdominally. In the operating room, the AICD was deactivated, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) tvas placed. Intraoperatively, the AED identified and treated the patient's ventricular tachycardia. Advantages of the AED in this hospital setting included rapid response to the cardiomyopathy safe, hands-free operation, and minimal disruption of die surgical procedure. Safety concerns when using the AED are also detailed. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc.