Key result
TENS causes delayed biventricular ICD interference at 6 months despite negative initial testing.
Why the study?
The potential for interference between biventricular ICDs and TENS devices and its clinical implications remain unclear despite known electromagnetic interference risks.
Does the simultaneous use of a TENS unit and a biventricular ICD cause device interference?
Comparison
Use of biventricular ICD with and without simultaneous TENS application
Design
Case report
Authors
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Delayed TENS interference with biventricular ICDs may occur late despite negative testing; single case leaves open need for prospective safety data.
Case Report (n=1)
Does the simultaneous use of a TENS unit and a biventricular ICD cause device interference?
Patients with a biventricular ICD require careful follow-up for potential interaction with TENS units, even if initial testing is negative, and should be cautioned against their use, especially if pacemaker-dependent.
Jason R. Pyatt (2002) conducted a case report in Malignant ventricular arrhythmias, medically refractory cardiac failure, and chronic pain (n=1). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was evaluated on Device interaction / interference with pacemaker function. Application of TENS in 1 patient with a biventricular ICD caused delayed pacemaker interference resulting in dizziness and bradycardia at 6 months, despite negative initial testing.
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