Spurious detection of ventricular fibrillation by a transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

This case describes another example of inappropriate implantable defibrillator shock. We also show that this phenomenon resulted from electromagnetic current traveling down a coronary wire during coronary angioplasty.

Acute pancreatitis associated with intra-aortic balloon pump placement.

An 85-year-old white woman underwent placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump for stabilization prior to planned bypass surgery. The complication of acute pancreatitis was attributed to atheroemboli or compromise of circulation to the pancreas. Ischemia as a possible etiology of pancreatitis is discussed.