Magnetic Interference on Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices From Apple iPhone MagSafe Technology

Authors: Fahd Nadeem, Arismendy Nunez Garcia, Cao Thach Tran, and Michael Wu

Year: 06/02/2021

Category: Cardiology

Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association

DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.020818

URL: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.020818

Abstract

Abstract Overview

Background: The integration of magnetic wireless charging in modern smartphones, particularly Apple's MagSafe technology, which can produce magnetic fields over 50 gauss, poses potential risks of interference with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs).

Study Objective and Methodology

The study hypothesizes significant clinical interference from Apple's MagSafe technology with CIEDs. It includes both in vivo tests with patients having pre-implanted CIEDs and ex vivo evaluations using devices from major manufacturers still packaged.

In Vivo Findings: Direct placement of an iPhone 12 Pro Max over the CIED resulted in detectable magnetic interference in all tested subjects (3 out of 3).
Ex Vivo Results: Magnetic interference was evident in a majority of the devices (8 out of 11) when tested through their unopened packages using iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Conclusions

The findings confirm the significant risk that Apple's MagSafe technology in the iPhone 12 Pro Max poses by potentially inhibiting crucial lifesaving functions of CIEDs. The implications highlight the urgent need for public awareness and preventive action regarding the use of such technology in proximity to cardiac devices.

electromagnetic interference MagSafe cardiac devices health risk technology magnetic field CIEDs

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