Safety of smartwatches and their chargers in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices

Authors: Stylianos Tzeis, Dimitrios Asvestas, Nektarios Moraitis, Emmanuel P Vardas, Panagiotis Mililis, Konstantinos Letsas, Konstantinos Kouvelas, Konstantina S Nikita, Panos Vardas

Year: 2020 Oct 10

Category: Cardiology

Journal: Europace

Institution: Europace

DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa220

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038213/

Abstract

Overview

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are known to be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This study explores whether smartwatches and their chargers pose a risk to the proper function of these devices.

Methods and Findings

We enrolled consecutive CIED recipients from two centers. Tests were conducted using two latest generation smartwatches - Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch - and their charging cables to determine potential EMI. The evaluation involved continuous electrocardiogram recording and real-time device telemetry under both nominal and 'worst-case' settings.

  • Magnetic field measurements were taken in vitro.
  • No EMI was detected under any test conditions.
  • Magnetic fields emitted by the devices were comparable to background noise levels.

Conclusion

The lack of identified EMI and the negligible magnetic field emissions from the latest generation smartwatches and their chargers confirm the safety of their use in patients with CIEDs.

EMI CIED smartwatches cardiac safety electromagnetic interference medical devices
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