Key result
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation caused interference with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in 16 of 30 patients (53.3%), including misinterpretation as VT/VF in 27%.
Why the study?
Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) cause interference with the sensing function of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)?
Population
30 patients who had received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
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TENS may disrupt ICD sensing; this observational finding is hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before practice change.
Observational (n=30)
Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) cause interference with the sensing function of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)?
TENS causes significant electromagnetic interference with ICD sensing, potentially leading to inappropriate shocks or failure to deliver therapy, and is therefore not recommended in patients with ICDs.
Holmgren et al. (2008) conducted an observational in Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (n=30). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was evaluated on Interference between TENS and ICD function. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation caused interference with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in 16 of 30 patients (53.3%), including misinterpretation as VT/VF in 27%.
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