Earthing defect: A cause for unstable hemodynamics.
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Date
2012-01
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Abstract
Interference of monitored electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common event in intensive care units and operation theaters. Artifacts in the ECG tracing can resemble serious arrhythmia, thus leading to unnecessary usage of antiarrhythmics or electrical defibrillation. In addition, ECG artifacts may lead to serious hemodynamic consequences secondary to intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) trigger failure. We report a rare event of IABP failure due to ECG artifact, which appeared on placement of the transthoracic echocardiography probe over the chest. Subsequent evaluation revealed potential current leakage from echocardiography machine secondary to earthing defect in the machine.
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Keywords
Earthing defect, electrocardiogram artifact, echocardiography, intra-aortic balloon pump failure
Citation
Selvan R Barani, Rao Parnandi Bhaskar, Ramachandran T R, Veliath David George. Earthing defect: A cause for unstable hemodynamics. Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. 2012 Jan; 15(1): 47-49.