E3 testing of implantable medical devices-past and present

Effects of Steel Scalpel, Ultrasonic Scalpel, CO2 Laser, and Monopolar and Bipolar Electrosurgery on Wound Healing in Guinea Pig Oral Mucosa

“…Pacemakers, implanted cardiac devices, and cochlear implants can malfunction during use of electrosurgery. 58–62 Electrosurgery‐related fire hazards have been reported in the literature. 63–68 Electrosurgery produces a smoke plume, which may contain toxic gases.…”

Electrosurgery in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: Principles, Advances, and Complications

“…The function of pacemakers can be altered by exposure to electromagnetic fields throughout the spectrum from the power frequency (50–60 Hz) through the radiofrequency and microwave portions of the spectrum. 49,50 The FDA requires that pacemakers be tested for interference, but the testing does not necessarily include the frequencies used by electrosurgical units. Although there is long‐standing debate on the mechanism through which the electrosurgical unit affects pacemakers, most agree that patients with pacemakers are potentially at risk.…”