Electromagnetic interference from automobile passive keyless entry in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Automobile passive keyless entry (PKE) systems may generate electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are sensitive to EMI.
• The potential for EMI from PKE systems in CIED patients requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and significance of EMI from automobile PKE systems in patients with CIEDs.
• To assess the safety of PKE system use for individuals with CIEDs.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, cross-sectional study involving 102 CIED patients.
• Patients operated PKE systems in two automobiles while monitored for EMI and arrhythmias via CIED interrogation and ECG event recorders.
• Spectrum analyzers were used to identify PKE system operating frequencies.

Main Results:

• No incidence of EMI or arrhythmias was detected in CIED patients during PKE system activation.
• The working frequency bandwidth of the PKE systems could not be identified due to low signal strength.
• 102 patients with various CIEDs (defibrillators, pacemakers, CRT devices) participated.

Conclusions:

• Automobile PKE systems emit very low-power signals.
• Under normal conditions, CIED patients can safely use PKE systems without risk of EMI.
• Key fob proximity to the CIED pulse generator does not pose a safety risk.