Electromagnetic Interference of External Pacemakers by Walkie‐Talkies and Digital Cellular Phones: Experimental Study

Abstract

A number of experimental and clinical studies have documented the risk potential of interference with implanted pacemakers by various types of cellular phones. Radiofrequency susceptibility of external medical equipment has also been reported in experimental studies. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate electromagnetic interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and digital cellular telephones. External bipolar pacing was monitored using a digital oscilloscope to record pacemaker pulses and electromagnetic interference separately. Tests with the walkie-talkie, Private Mobile Radio (PMR) (160 MHz, 2.5 W) were conducted during the calling phase. Tests with the cellular phones, global system for mobile communications (GSM) (900 MHz, 2 W) and Digital Cellular System (DCS) (1,800 MHz, 1 W) were conducted in the test mode. Nine widely used external pacemakers from four manufacturers were tested. Various disturbances including pacing inhibition and asynchronous pacing were observed in eight pacemakers by the PMR, in four by the GSM phone, and in two by the DCS phone. The maximum distance that interference persisted ranged from 10-200 cm. This experimental study shows a potential risk of interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and cellular digital phones. Appropriate warnings should be issued against the potentially serious risks of using communication devices in the vicinity of acutely ill patients treated with temporary transvenous cardiac pacemakers.

The effects of mobile phones on pacemaker function

“…New generation of pacemakers are reported to be more protected against electromagnetic field due to the fact that they are equipped with more developed perception filters [9,[24][25][26][27]. In the new pacemaker models by the same manufacturer, there are specific perception filters and smaller battery sizes which all reduce the risk of being adversely affected by the magnetic field to a significant degree [16,28,29]. Hayes et al [21] emphasized the fact that the risk of being affected was related to the model of the pacemaker rather than its brand.…”

Untitled

“…Since 1998 the ownership and use of mobile phones has increased dramatically and has supplanted the pager as the commonest means of contacting staff off-site. The use of mobile phones for intrahospital communication, however, has been hampered by worries regarding electromedical interference [35,36]. Studies now suggest that electromedical interference may be less of a problem than previously suggested and that the zone of risk for electromedical interference is limited to 1 metre or less around susceptible equipment [37-39].…”

Patient Safety and Electromagnetic Protection: A Review

“…Two of them are systematic studies, while the other four are case studies of particular models of pacemakers. Trigano et al (1999) documented a number of experimental and clinical studies and the potential risk of interference with implanted pacemakers by various types of cellular phones. Tests with the walkie-talkie Private Mobile Radio (PMR) trasmitter (Alcatel Alsthom, France) (160 MHz, 2.5 W) were conducted during the calling phase.…”