Effect of ElectroMagnetic interference from SmartPHone on cardiac ImplaNtable electronic device (EMI-PHONE study).

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Smartphones emit electromagnetic waves that can potentially interfere with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
• Previous evidence suggests electromagnetic interference (EMI) from mobile phones to CIEDs.
• Both smartphones and CIEDs have undergone design improvements to mitigate EMI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) potential of contemporary smartphones on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
• To assess the safety of using smartphones in close proximity to patients with CIEDs.

Main Methods:

• 80 subjects with CIEDs were tested with three smartphone models (Nokia 3310, iPhone 7, Samsung 9S).
• Phones were placed at 0 cm at the generator site, atrial lead, and ventricular lead levels.
• Real-time interrogations and post-test assessments were conducted during various phone usage scenarios to detect EMI and device parameter changes.

Main Results:

• No electromagnetic interference (EMI) was detected from any of the tested smartphones across all test conditions.
• No adverse events, including pacemaker inhibition, inappropriate ICD shocks, or CIED device malfunction, were observed in any participant.
• All 80 subjects completed the testing protocol without any complications.

Conclusions:

• Current generation smartphones exhibit no significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
• Patients with CIEDs can safely use modern smartphones with reduced concern for device malfunction or adverse events.
• The findings support the safe co-existence of smartphones and CIEDs in clinical practice.