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Electromagnetic interference with a bipolar pacemaker by an induction heating (IH) rice cooker.
Toshihisa Nagatomo1, Haruhiko Abe, Ritsuko Kohno
1The Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan.
International Heart Journal
|February 28, 2009
Summary
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from induction heating rice cookers can disrupt pacemaker function. Patients with pacemakers should exercise caution around these common household appliances to prevent inappropriate pacing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a potential risk to the normal functioning of pacemakers.
- Despite advancements in pacemaker design and the use of bipolar leads, patient exposure to household appliances remains a concern for EMI.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with sick sinus syndrome and a bipolar dual chamber-pacing system.
- The patient experienced inappropriate ventricular pacing episodes.
Findings:
- The observed inappropriate ventricular pacing directly coincided with the operation of an induction heating (IH) rice cooker.
- Stored electrograms confirmed the correlation between IH rice cooker use and pacemaker malfunction.
Implications:
- Patients with pacemakers must be advised about the potential risks associated with IH rice cookers.
- Further research may be needed to understand the specific mechanisms of EMI from IH rice cookers on pacemakers.
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