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Electromagnetic interference and implanted cardiac devices: the medical environment (part II)
Juna Misiri1, Fred Kusumoto, Nora Goldschlager
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Electrophysiology and Pacing Service, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Clinical Cardiology
|April 28, 2012
Summary
Electromagnetic interference from medical devices can affect pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Patient-specific strategies and communication are key to mitigating risks during procedures like electrosurgery and MRI.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Medical equipment generates electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interact with implanted cardiac devices (ICDs), including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
- Electrosurgery in the operating room is a common source of EMI, potentially leading to device malfunction.
- Other significant EMI sources include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ionizing radiation, and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risks of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on implanted cardiac devices (ICDs).
- To discuss strategies for mitigating EMI risks in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
- To provide guidance on managing potential interactions during medical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of common medical procedures and equipment known to produce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Analysis of interactions between EMI sources and implanted cardiac devices (ICDs).
- Examination of established guidelines and best practices for risk mitigation.
Main Results:
- Electrosurgery is the most frequent cause of EMI interactions with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
- Patient-specific management strategies, developed through collaboration between cardiac-device specialists and surgical teams, can effectively mitigate risks.
- Guidelines exist for managing risks associated with MRI in patients with ICDs, especially when no alternatives are available.
Conclusions:
- Proactive communication and tailored strategies are crucial for safely managing patients with implanted cardiac devices (ICDs) in environments with potential EMI.
- While MRI poses risks, established protocols can guide its use when necessary.
- Awareness of various EMI sources, including electrosurgery, radiation, and LVADs, is essential for patient safety.
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