Artifactual ECG changes induced by electrocautery in a patient with coronary artery disease.

Continuous monitoring of 5-lead electrocardiogram is a basic standard of care (included under standard ASA monitor) in the operating room and electrocautery interference is a common phenomenon. Clinical signs, along with monitored waveforms from other simultaneously monitored parameters may provide us clues to differentiate artifacts from true changes on the electrocardiogram. An improved understanding of the artifacts generated by electrocautery and their identifying characteristics is important to avoid misinterpretation, misdiagnosis, and hence mismanagement. This case report highlights the artifacts in electrocardiogram induced by electrocautery.