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Interaction between a smartphone and intrathecal baclofen pump case report.
Francesca Filipetto1, Judith Walden2, Michelle Trbovich3,4
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
New iPhones can stall intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps due to magnetic fields, causing baclofen withdrawal. Keep iPhones at least 6 inches away from ITB pumps to prevent motor failure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy manages spasticity.
- Pump complications often involve surgical or catheter issues.
- Less common complications include pump motor failure.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old with paraplegia on ITB experienced baclofen withdrawal.
- The patient's ITB pump motor failed, necessitating replacement.
- The failure coincided with prolonged proximity to a new iPhone.
Findings:
- This case suggests iPhones can overpower ITB pump magnets.
- Prolonged exposure (up to 12 hours daily) to an iPhone at 2-3 inches caused pump motor stall.
- This magnetic interference is not widely recognized.
Implications:
- Providers must be aware of consumer electronics' potential to affect ITB pumps.
- The FDA recommends keeping such devices at least 6 inches from implanted medical devices.
- Preventing ITB pump failure avoids life-threatening baclofen withdrawal.
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