Key result
Digital cellular phones caused electromagnetic interference, including high voltage firing or pacing inhibition, when placed within 2.3-5.8 cm of implantable cardiac defibrillators in vitro.
Why the study?
Do cellular phones cause electromagnetic interference in implantable cardiac defibrillators in vitro?
Population
Three models of representative implantable cardiac defibrillators submerged 0.5 cm in 0.18% saline in vitro
Comparison
Exposure to two types of digital cellular phones… vs Baseline
Design
Preclinical
Authors
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May indicate EMI risk from phones near ICDs in vitro; leaves open in vivo relevance and should not yet change practice.
Do cellular phones cause electromagnetic interference in implantable cardiac defibrillators in vitro?
Digital cellular phones can cause clinically significant electromagnetic interference in ICDs, including unintended shocks or pacing inhibition, when placed in close proximity (within 5.8 cm).
Bassen et al. (1998) studied Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) (n=3). Cellular telephones (digital and analog) vs. Baseline (phones removed from immediate proximity) was evaluated on Electromagnetic interference (high voltage firing or inhibition of pacing output). Digital cellular phones caused electromagnetic interference, including high voltage firing or pacing inhibition, when placed within 2.3-5.8 cm of implantable cardiac defibrillators in vitro.
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