FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

DENVER — Tasers may cause significant arrhythmias in patients with pacemakers, according to a new study released today at Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 28th Annual Scientific Sessions. The study was the first human case to demonstrate how voltage in the weapon may be captured by the heart and speed up heart rates in pacemaker patients.

“Under certain circumstances, Tasers could result in potentially dangerous arrhythmias in patients with these cardiac devices,” said Leslie Saxon, M.D., lead author and chief, division of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Southern California.

The study involved a 53-year-old Los Angeles man with a dual-chamber pacemaker who had received a Taser shot consisting of two barbs delivered simultaneously. The pacemaker recorded two high ventricular rate episodes at the exact time of the Taser application. The pacemaker returned to normal function following the Taser shots.

Dr. Saxon said the study raises the question of whether devices such as Tasers cause the cardiac capture.

Session details: (PO4-88) “Taser-Induced Rapid Ventricular Myocardial Capture Demonstrated by Pacemaker Electrograms” [May 11, 9:30-10:30 AM, Poster Session IV, Exhibit Hall]

HEART RHYTHM 2007 takes place May 9-12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering over 400 educational opportunities in multiple formats and over 125 innovative products and services for the heart rhythm management field. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including advances in statins, cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure and the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.

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About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of over 4,000 heart rhythm professionals in more than 60 countries around the world.