Key result
Ungrounded washing machine EMI triggers recurrent syncope in an ICD patient by inhibiting pacing.
Why the study?
Electromagnetic interference from electrical devices may affect ICD function despite improved algorithms, requiring caution in ICD recipients when handling such devices.
Case Report (n=1)
Caution is recommended for ICD recipients when handling electrical devices, as improper grounding can cause electromagnetic interference leading to pacing inhibition and syncope.
Household EMI sources may cause ICD pacing inhibition; single case leaves open prevalence and prevention strategies.
Electromagnetic interferences (EMI) deriving from electrical devices may affect implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Improved algorithms have been developed in order to minimize adverse effects. However, caution should be still recommended in ICD recipients when handling electrical devices. Here we describe the case of an ICD patient with recurrent syncopal episodes due to inhibition of pacing by oversensing of electrical noise from a not properly grounded washing machine.
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Gardini et al. (2015) conducted a case report in Recurrent syncope in an ICD patient (n=1). Electromagnetic interference from a washing machine was evaluated on Recurrent syncopal episodes. Electromagnetic interference from a not properly grounded washing machine caused recurrent syncopal episodes in an ICD patient due to inhibition of pacing by oversensing of electrical noise.
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