Ventricular tachycardia as an electrocardiography artifact during functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is frequently performed during conscious sedation not provided by an anesthesiologist. Several monitors are used during conscious sedation, one of which is the electrocardiogram (EKG). Equipment used in the operating room may interfere with the EKG tracing. Methods: A 30-year-old man underwent his fourth functional endoscopic sinus surgery during general anesthesia. For the procedure, a Xomed Straight Shot microdebrider was used. Results: Because of stray electrical current, the use of the microdebrider caused the EKG waveform to resemble ventricular tachycardia. Conclusion: This case alerts the clinician to this possible occurrence to prevent inappropriate therapeutics from being initiated.