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Current Cardiology Reports
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 4/2022

01-04-2022 | Pacemaker | Invasive Electrophysiology and Pacing (E. Kevin Heist, Section Editor)

Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 4/2022

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The risk of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) interference from cell phones was previously thought to be low based on older studies. Current generation of smartphones have incorporated more magnets for optimization of wireless charging, attachment of accessories, and convenience functionalities. These magnets have the potential to cause CIEDs to inadvertently revert into magnet mode. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on smartphones and their accessories causing interference on CIEDs.

Recent Findings

Recent reports have demonstrated that the iPhone 12 series and accessories have the capability to cause CIED magnetic interference.

Summary

Current generation of smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and accessories have the potential to cause CIEDs to revert into magnet mode in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. The risk of a clinically significant event is unlikely as long as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations are followed; keeping smartphones and accessories at least six inches away from CIEDs.
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Metadata
Title
Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators
Publication date
01-04-2022
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-022-01653-0

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