Concepedia

Incidence of Electromagnetic Interference in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Christof Kolb, Bernhard Zrenner, Claus Schmitt

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology · 2001 · 64 citations · 12 references

Open access

TL;DR

Electromagnetic interference can temporarily inhibit ICDs or cause inappropriate shocks, yet the incidence of such interactions with current ICDs is unknown. The study aims to underscore the need for improved lead technology and detection algorithms to reduce EMI risk. The authors retrospectively reviewed 341 patients over 665 patient‑years with quarterly follow‑ups and identified five EMI episodes in four patients. The risk of inappropriate shocks from EMI is less than 1% per patient per year, and the study concludes that such events are rare but patients should be advised to avoid potential interference. KOLB, C., et al.

Abstract

KOLB, C., et al. : Incidence of Electromagnetic Interference in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) with ICDs can lead to temporary inhibition of the device or to inappropriate delivery of antitachycardia pacing and shocks. The incidence of interactions between electronic devices and the current generation of ICDs is not known. In a retrospective study of 341 patients (665 patient‐years) who underwent a regular follow‐up every 3 months, five episodes of EMI were detected in four different patients. The risk for receiving inappropriate shocks due to EMI is < 1% per year and patient. In conclusion, although inappropriate delivery of shocks by ICDs due to EMI rarely occurs, patient information should emphasize the avoidance of situations of possible interference. Further efforts concerning lead technology and detection algorithms are necessary to minimize the risk of EMI.