Pacemakers, Deep Brain Stimulators, Cochlear Implants, and Nerve Stimulators: A Review of Common Devices Encountered in the Dermatologic Surgery Patient.

BACKGROUND: In dermatologic and procedural surgery settings, there are commonly encountered devices in patients. Safe surgical planning requires familiarity with these devices. OBJECTIVE: To review the current implanted devices in patients and recommendations for surgical planning around these devices. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive review using PubMed and published device recommendations was performed, searching for those most relevant to dermatologic surgery. RESULTS: Devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and various nerve stimulators are potential devices that may be encountered in patients and specific recommendations exist for each of these devices. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic surgeons' knowledge of implanted devices in patients is paramout to safe surgical procedures.