[Electromagnetic interference between automatic defibrillators and digital and analog cellular telephones]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Mobile phone interference with pacemakers is known, but its effect on implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is less understood.
• Both analog and digital mobile phone systems may influence ICD function, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of digital and analog mobile phones on the performance of various ICD models.
• To determine if mobile phones cause significant interference with ICD sensing, pacing, or therapeutic functions in both in vivo and in vitro settings.

Main Methods:

• Standardized testing setup with high sensitivity to detect subtle interferences.
• Utilized in vivo (patients) and in vitro (saline tank with arrhythmia simulator) models.
• Tested multiple mobile phone types and models, varying transmission power and proximity to the ICD and electrode.

Main Results:

• Partial loss of telemetry observed in some patients (14/total), with minor alterations in ECG channels.
• In vitro testing confirmed normal ICD function during simulated arrhythmias.
• No instances of real oversensing/undersensing, ICD reprogramming, pacing inhibition, or inappropriate therapies were documented.

Conclusions:

• Clinically significant electromagnetic interference from mobile phones (digital or analog) was not demonstrated in this study.
• ICD function remains unaltered even during spontaneous arrhythmias, as confirmed by in vitro models.
• Mobile phone use is considered safe for ICD patients, with a recommendation to maintain a distance of at least 15 cm from the device.