Conductive heating mattress leads to ECG changes that mimic pacemaker spikes

Abstract

AbstractHypothermia is a common perioperative complication. To prevent perioperative hypothermia amongst other things electrical heating mattresses are used. We have made an observation with the use of an electrical heating mattress that may confuse users. In this case the ECG monitoring suddenly showed spikes that looked like spikes from an implanted pacemaker. When turning off the heating mattress the spikes disappeared and returned after turning on the heating mattress again.