Effects of external electrical and magnetic fields on pacemakers and defibrillators: from engineering principles to clinical practice

Circulation. 2013 Dec 24;128(25):2799-809. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.005697.

Abstract

The overall risk of clinically significant adverse events related to EMI in recipients of CIEDs is very low. Therefore, no special precautions are needed when household appliances are used. Environmental and industrial sources of EMI are relatively safe when the exposure time is limited and distance from the CIEDs is maximized. The risk of EMI-induced events is highest within the hospital environment. Physician awareness of the possible interactions and methods to minimize them is warranted.

Keywords: electromagnetic interference; implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; magnetic resonance imaging; pacemaker, artificial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy*
  • Bioengineering / methods*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electricity / adverse effects*
  • Electromagnetic Phenomena*
  • Electronics
  • Electrosurgery / adverse effects
  • Equipment Failure
  • Equipment and Supplies / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors