Electromagnetic interference in an implantable loop recorder caused by a portable digital media player

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are crucial for diagnosing intermittent cardiovascular symptoms like syncope.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a known issue for ILRs, potentially caused by devices like antitheft systems and MRI.
• Ensuring reliable ILR function is vital for accurate patient diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• Two patients with ILRs experienced interference from a portable digital media player.
• The interference affected the diagnostic capabilities of the implantable loop recorders.
• This highlights a previously unreported source of EMI for ILR devices.

Findings:

• Portable digital media players can cause significant electromagnetic interference in implantable loop recorders.
• This interference can compromise the ability to accurately diagnose cardiovascular events.
• The findings underscore the need for awareness of potential EMI sources in clinical practice.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider portable media players as a potential source of EMI for ILRs.
• Further research is needed to understand the extent of interference from various consumer electronics.
• Strategies to mitigate EMI from portable devices may be necessary to ensure ILR reliability.