Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Abstract

Purpose of Review The risk of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) interference from cell phones was previously thought to be low based on older studies. Current generation of smartphones have incorporated more magnets for optimization of wireless charging, attachment of accessories, and convenience functionalities. These magnets have the potential to cause CIEDs to inadvertently revert into magnet mode. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on smartphones and their accessories causing interference on CIEDs. Recent Findings Recent reports have demonstrated that the iPhone 12 series and accessories have the capability to cause CIED magnetic interference. Summary Current generation of smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and accessories have the potential to cause CIEDs to revert into magnet mode in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. The risk of a clinically significant event is unlikely as long as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations are followed; keeping smartphones and accessories at least six inches away from CIEDs.

High-Fidelity 3D Stray Magnetic Field Mapping of Smartphones to Address Safety Considerations with Active Implantable Electronic Medical Devices

“…One case report described that ICD therapies were suspended when a smartphone (iPhone 12, Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) was brought in close proximity to an implanted ICD [ 3 ]. This observation was confirmed by separate studies demonstrating the smartphone-induced inhibition of ICD therapy, and reprogramming of CIEDs to an asynchronous pacing mode [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The electromagnetic compatibility and exposure of AIMDs to static magnetic fields are governed by ISO 14117:2019 guidelines.…”

“…Wireless charging has also become an important feature of smartphones and other wearable ECPs such as smartwatches and portable headphones. These ECPs are equipped with permanent magnets or permanent magnet arrays which constitute a potential source of EMI [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Most CIEDs use magnet-sensitive switches (e.g.…”

The Use of Electrocardiogram Smartwatches in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electrical Devices

“…CIEDs are known to be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) as the oversensing of nonphysiologic signals may lead to inappropriate inhibition of pacing, inappropriate pacing during a vulnerable period, and inappropriate therapies. The risk of interaction between CIEDs and consumer devices became an area of interest in the 1990s with the emergence of the cell phone [ 8 ]. The largest study was performed by Hayes et al, who investigated EMI in 980 patients with CIEDs [ 9 ].…”