Luckycosmo

Mark S Link, MD

• Section Editor — Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Professor of Medicine
• UT Southwestern Medical Center

Pacemaker Resources. Myths and Truth About Devices that Can Interfere with Pacemakers (JANUARY 2014) If you know someone who has a pacemaker or you have one yourself, we would like to dispel some long standing myths behind different types of devices that could interfere with the functionality of the pacemaker. Also slot machines have been reported to be responsible for inappropriate ICD shocks due to EMI in 4 patients playing the slots. Furthermore, for many other electronic tools, reports of interactions with CIEDs are not available; this does not mean that there is no risk of interaction at all. ICDs and pacemakers contain metal, and therefore are not normally allowed near MRI machines. The strong magnetic field can interfere with the function of implanted devices. Still, some types of implanted devices don’t preclude MRIs. Or the benefits for the MRI may outweigh the risks.

Do Slot Machines Interfere With Pacemakers Work

N A Mark Estes, III, MD

• Editor-in-Chief — Cardiovascular Medicine
• Section Editor — Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Professor of Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Does Wifi Interfere With Pacemakers

Susan B Yeon, MD, JD, FACC

• Deputy Editor — Cardiovascular Medicine

Things That Interfere With Pacemakers

INTRODUCTION

While there has always been concern about the potential for electromagnetic interference with pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) function, due to interaction between the device and an electromagnetic field, the risk is quite low (table 1) [1,2]. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can occur in a variety of settings, but overall is more likely in the hospital environment than in the non-hospital environment [3].

There are reports of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) being impacted by sources of EMI in the non-hospital environment (eg, slot machines, laptop computers, etc). There are also disclaimers that wireless sources could be the source of EMI with CIEDs, even though no published data exists (eg, automobile manufacturers providing 'caution' for device patients purchasing automobiles with 'keyless' entry mechanisms, hybrid engines, etc). Nonetheless, there are few sources of EMI in the non-hospital environment which are truly concerning [4,5]. However, with the proliferation of wireless technology, any new device which operates on a new frequency or new technology platform should be assessed in order to determine whether there is indeed any significant potential for EMI with any CIED.

Do Slot Machines Interfere With Pacemakers Cause

Electromagnetic interference with medical sources is discussed separately. (See 'Pacing system malfunction: Evaluation and management', section on 'Electromagnetic interference' and 'Cardiac implantable electronic devices: Long-term complications', section on 'Electromagnetic interference'.)

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

Although there are no studies that have systematically evaluated the effect of household microwave ovens on implanted devices, it is widely accepted that contemporary pacemakers and ICDs are adequately shielded from microwave energy produced by modern appliances [3]. Pacemaker manufacturers do not recommend any special precautions when using common household appliances, such as televisions, radios, toasters, microwave ovens, and electric blankets; UpToDate experts agree with this approach. As a new appliance that uses a new or different energy source reaches the market, the appliance needs to be tested to determine whether there is any potential for device interference.

There are circumstances in which a device may be affected by specific sources of energy under narrow circumstances. This was illustrated in a study assessing the potential for induction cook tops to interfere with pacemaker function. Patients with a unipolar, left-sided implant could experience interference if the pot was not concentrically placed on the induction coil and if the patient stood as close as possible to the cook top. The most common response to interference was a reset to an asynchronous interference mode [6]. Most contemporary devices utilize bipolar pacing and sensing configuration, which minimizes the chance of device malfunction from electromagnetic interference.

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