Interactions Between Electronic Article Surveillance Systems and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Abstract

Background-In patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). inappropriate shocks have been reported with exposure to electronic article surveillance systems. The risk to patients with ICDs of walking through or lingering near surveillance systems requires further investigation. Methods and Results-We evaluated the response in ICD function in 170 subjects during a 10-to 15-second midgate walk-through of and during extreme (2 minutes within 6 in of the gate) exposure to 3 common article surveillance systems. Complete testing was done in 169 subjects. During a 10-to 15-second (very slow) walk-through of the 3 surveillance systems, no interactions were observed that would negatively affect ICD function. During extreme exposure (169 subjects) and during extreme exposure and pacing via the ICD (126 subjects), interactions between the ICD and the article surveillance systems were observed in 19 subjects. In 7 subjects, this interaction was clinically relevant and would have likely (3 subjects) and possibly (4 subjects) resulted in ICD shocks. In 12 subjects, the interaction was minor. Conclusions-It is safe for a patient with an ICD to walk through electronic article surveillance systems. Lingering in a surveillance system may result in an inappropriate ICD shock. (Circulation. 1999;100:387-392.)

Digital music players cause interference with interrogation telemetry for pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators without affecting device function

“…Magnetic resonance imaging and electrocautery produce electrical interference, which may affect pacemaker/ICD functionality (1)(2)(3). Consumer electronics have also been investigated, including microwave ovens, metal detector gates, and electronic article surveillance systems (4)(5)(6). In 1997, a randomized, prospective trial concluded that cellular telephones impacted the functioning of pacemakers, but there was no adverse effect at any significant distance (7).…”

Clinical Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Survivors of Cardiac Arrest

“…The incorrect AMI diagnosis may cause an undesirable withdrawal from ICD implantation in patients who are at high risk of sudden death recurrence. On the contrary, unrecognized AMI can inadequately increase the costs of treatment and put the patients at risks (5) and limitations (8,24) related to the ICD implantation.…”

Contemporary Pacemaker and Defibrillator Device Therapy

“…Patients should be advised to walk through the gates without leaning on them or lingering. 103 When in doubt regarding the potential impact of any type of EMI, an inquiry with the manufacturer should be made.…”