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Interference by cellular phones with permanent implanted pacemakers: an update.

K Hekmat¹, B Salemink, G Lauterbach

¹Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany. khosro.hekmat@medizin.uni-koeln.de

Europace : European Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Electrophysiology : Journal of the Working Groups on Cardiac Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology

|June 3, 2004

Summary

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Pacemakers with feedthru filters generally do not interfere with digital cellular phones. Interference was only seen at very low ventricular sensitivity settings, suggesting proper programming prevents issues.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Biomedical Engineering
Electrophysiology

Background:

Pacemakers are critical for cardiac rhythm management.
Digital cellular phones utilize radiofrequency signals that could potentially interfere with electronic devices.
Feedthru filters are incorporated in pacemakers to mitigate electromagnetic interference.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate potential electromagnetic interference between digital cellular telephones and pacemakers equipped with feedthru filters.
To determine if cellular phone usage poses a risk to pacemaker function.

Main Methods:

Tested 100 patients undergoing initial pacemaker implantation (January 2001-May 2003).
Utilized a GSM-standard cellular phone in various modes (standby, dialing, operating) against 100 pacemakers (23 single-chamber, 77 dual-chamber).

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Recorded continuous electrocardiograms, intracardiac electrograms, and marker channels during simulated cellular calls.

Main Results:

Pacing inhibition occurred in 2 patients when the cellular phone was placed directly over the pacemaker pocket.
Interference was observed at ventricular sensitivity settings below 0.50 mV.
Adjusting sensitivity to 0.50 mV or higher eliminated interference in one case, and 1.0 mV in another.

Conclusions:

Pacemakers with feedthru filters are generally safe for use with digital cellular phones when programmed correctly.
The risk of interference is minimal and primarily associated with extremely low ventricular sensitivity settings.
Recommends permanent programming of ventricular sensitivity at 2.0 mV or higher to ensure optimal safety and prevent interference.