Key result
Power-frequency magnetic fields induce electromagnetic interference in ~1% of pacemaker recipients, primarily with unipolar sensing.
Why the study?
Although several forms of electromagnetic energy may interfere with implanted permanent pacemakers, no clinical study had reported specific information on interference from magnetic fields at power line or electrical appliance frequencies.
Does exposure to a 50-Hz, 100-microT magnetic field cause electromagnetic interference in recipients of permanent pacemakers?
Observational (n=245)
Does exposure to a 50-Hz, 100-microT magnetic field cause electromagnetic interference in recipients of permanent pacemakers?
Power-frequency magnetic fields (50-Hz, up to 100-microT) pose a low overall risk of pacemaker interference, with clinically significant mode switches and pacing inhibition occurring primarily in unipolar sensing configurations while bipolar sensing risk is negligible.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports bipolar sensing preference near power lines; leaves open need for prospective validation in high-exposure settings.
Objectives This study examined the risk of interference by high magnetic flux density with permanent pacemakers. Background Several forms of electromagnetic energy may interfere with the functions of implanted pacemakers. No clinical study has reported specific and relevant information pertaining to magnetic fields near power lines or electrical appliances. Methods A total of 250 consecutive tests were performed in 245 recipients of permanent pacemakers during 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring. A dedicated exposure system generated a 50-Hz frequency and maximum 100-microT flux density, while the electrical field was kept at values on the order of 0.10 V/m. Results A switch to the asynchronous mode was recorded in three patients with devices programmed in the unipolar sensing configuration. A sustained mode switch was followed by symptomatic pacing inhibition in one patient. No effect on devices programmed in bipolar sensing was observed, except for a single interaction with a specific capture monitoring algorithm. Conclusions The overall incidence of interaction by a magnetic field was low in patients tested with a wide variety of conventionally programmed pacemaker models. A magnetic field pulsed at power frequency can cause a mode switch and pacing inhibition in patients with devices programmed in the unipolar sensing configuration. The risk of interference appears negligible in patients with bipolar sensing programming.
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TRIGANO et al. (2005) conducted an observational in Permanent pacemaker implantation (n=245). 50-Hz magnetic field exposure was evaluated on Pacemaker interference (mode switch to asynchronous mode or pacing inhibition). Exposure to a 50-Hz, 100-microT magnetic field caused asynchronous mode switch in 3 of 245 pacemaker recipients (all with unipolar sensing) and symptomatic pacing inhibition in 1 patient.
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