Abstract

Overview

With the increasing prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), understanding the potential impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from various sources is crucial. This interference could come from both internal and external electronic devices and medical procedures.

Findings

• EMI can negatively affect pacing functions and could inadvertently trigger shocks in devices such as permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).
• This review explores potential EMI interactions with CIEDs, analyzing devices including left ventricular assist devices, deep brain stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators. The analysis also includes a variety of procedures like endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and procedures involving electrocautery.
• Although there are documented cases and some evidence of EMI affecting CIEDs, a shortage of large multicenter studies leaves many conclusions to rely on expert opinions and anecdotal experiences.

Conclusion

The paper aims to provide a broad overview of the functions of PPMs and ICDs, review documented cases of EMI's impact on these devices, and discuss the current management strategies for handling CIED interference.