Severe Bradycardia During a Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure

Authors

Marc Blanchard MD, HCA HealthcareFollow
Ettore Crimi MD, HCA HealthcareFollow
Stephen Pyles MD, HCA HealthcareFollow

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

10-19-2019

Keywords

cardiac arrythmias, cardiovascular diseases, back pain, spinal cord

Disciplines

Anesthesiology | Nervous System | Therapeutics

Abstract

We report a case of severe bradycardia during spinal cord implantation. A 43 year old female with a history of chronic refractory lumbar back pain presented for revision of spinal cord stimulator. Preoperative assessment was positive only for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. During the procedure, surgeon’s attempt to advance the lead through scar tissue elicited severe bradycardia (HR 28) resolved with glycopyrrolate. Compression of spinal cord secondary to difficult lead placement could be the cause of this cardiovascular event. Anesthesiologists need to be aware that severe bradycardia can occur during spinal cord implantation.

Publisher or Conference

Anesthesiology Annual Meeting 2019

Recommended Citation

Blanchard M, Crimi E, Pyles S. Severe Bradycardia During a Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure. Poster presented at: Anesthesiology Annual Meeting 2019; October 19-23, 2019; Orlando, FL.