Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

  • Chapter
Implantable Defibrillator Therapy: A Clinical Guide

Part of the book series: Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine ((DICM,volume 244))

Abstract

Electric and magnetic signals originating outside of a defibrillator may affect its operation, a phenomenon known as electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI usually refers to interference from environmental electromagnetic instrumentation and should be distinguished from other sources of electromagnetic noise causing ICD malfunction (Table 1). Signals most likely to penetrate and affect pacemakers and ICDs are electromagnetic waves or signals at a frequency or repeat rate falling within the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum (Table 2). EMI in daily life is therefore usually a radiofrequency interference (RFI). Radiofrequency interference tends to occur when signals have carrier frequencies or pulse repetition rates falling in the physiologic range and when the source of emission is very close to the implanted generator. These conditions may for instance occur with cellular (digital) telephones or electronic antitheft surveillance devices (EAS. Although instruments emitting radiofrequency energy have become increasingly abundant in the modern environment, the risk of EMI appears low (1). Special engineering features such as shielding of the circuits in hermetic metal cases, filtering, interference rejection circuits, and avoidance of far field -sensitive “unipolar” electrode systems have succeeded in making pacemakers and ICDs relatively invulnerable to extraneous RF sources (2).

Table 2 Radiofrequency Specturm (300 Hz to 300 GHz)
Full size table

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Hayes DL, Wang PJ, Reynolds DW, Estes M, Griffith JL, Steffens RA, Carlo GL, Findlay GK, Johnson CM. Interference with cardiac pacemakers by cellular telephones. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1473–1479

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Radiofrequency interference with medical devices. A technical information statement (no authors). IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag 1998;17:111–114

    Google Scholar 

  3. Tsurita, Nagawa, Ueno S, Watabnabe S, Taki M. Biological and morphological effects on the brain after exposure of rats to a 1439 MHz TDMA field. Bioelolectromagnetics 2000;21:364–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Oraevsky AA, Jacques SL, Pettit GH, Saidi IS, Tittle FK, Henry PD. XeCI laser ablation of atherosclerotic aorta: optical properties and energy pathways. Lasers Surg Med 1992;12:585–597

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Oraevsky AA, Jaques SL, Pettit GH, Tittel FK, Henry PD. XeCI laser ablation of atherosclerotic aorta: luminescence spectroscopy of ablation products. Lasers Surg Med 1993;13:168–178

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Kober G, Kloster T. Dispuption of cardiac pacemaker function by magnetic buttons on clothing. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2000;125:186

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Brugada J. Is inappropriate therapy a resolved issue with current implantabole cardioverter defibrillators? Am J Cardiol 1999;83(suppl 5B):40D–44D

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Dijkman B, Wellens HJ. Dual chamber arrhythmia detection in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2000;11:11105–1115

    Google Scholar 

  9. Boriani G, Biffi M, Frabetti L, Parlalpiano M, Galli R, Branzi A, Magnani B. Cardioverter-defibrillator oversensing due to double-counting of ventricular tachycardia electrograms. Int J Cardiol 1998;66:91–95

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Seifert T, Block M, Borggrefe M, Breithardt G. Erroneous discharge of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator caused by an electric razor. PACE 1995;18:1592–1594

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Hunn RH, Ashbaugh TJ, Calderini M, Anderson KP. Multiple inappropriate shocks by interrogation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. PACE 1998;21:1329–1330

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Saeed M, Links MS, Mahapatra S, Mouded M, Tzeng D, Jung V, Contrras R, Swygman C, Homoud M, Estes NA, Waag PG. Analysis of intracardiac electrograms showing monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Am J Cardiol 2000;85:580–587

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Selznick L, Mueller H, Chávez T. Cellular telephone technology and its effects on implantable cardiac pacing systems. Sylmar, Ca, Pacesetter Inc., 1996

    Google Scholar 

  14. Fetter JG, Ivans V, Benditt DG, Collins J. Digital cellular telephone interaction with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. (NADC/TDMA system). Am J Cardiol 1998;31:623–628

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Sanmartin M, Fernandez-Lozano I, Marques J, Antorrena I, Bautista A, Silva L, Ortigosa J, de Artaza M. The absence of interference brtween GSM mobile telephones and implantable defibrillators: an in vivo study. Rev Esp Cardiol 1997;50:715–719

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Irnich W, Batz L, MÜller R, Tobisch R. Electromagnetic interference of pacemakers by mobile phones. (GSM system). PACE 1996;19:1431–1446

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Ruggera PS, Witters DM, Bassen HI. In vitro testing of pacemakers for digital cellular phone electromagneic interfrence. Biomed Instum Technol 1997;31:358–371

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Tan KS, Hinberg I. Can wireless communication systems affect implantable cardiac pacemakers? An in vitro laboratory study. Biomed Instrum Technol 1998;32:18–24

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Pinski SL, Trohman RG. Interference with cardiac pacing. Cardiol Clin 2000;18:219–239

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. McIvor ME, Reddinger J, Floden E, Sheppard RC. Study of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator triggering by electronic article surveillance devices (SPICED TEAS). PACE 1998;21:1847–1861

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Mugica JJ, Henry L, Podeur H. Study of interactions between permanent pacemakers and electronic antitheft surveillance systems. PACE 2000;23:333–337

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Harthorne JW. Pacemakers and store security devices. Cardiol Rev 2001;9:10–17

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wilke A, Kruse T, Hesse H, Funk R, Maisch B. Ineractions between pacemakers and security systems. PACE 1998;21:1784–1788

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Groh WJ, Boschee SA, Engelsein ED, Miles WM, Burton ME, Foster PR, Crevey BJ, Zipes DP. Interactions between electronic article surveillance systems and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Circulation 1999;100:387–392

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Santucci PA, Haw J, Trohman RG, Pinski SL. Inerference with an implantable defibrillator by an electronic antitheft surveillance device. New Engl J Med 1998;339:1371–1374. Mathew P, Lewis C, Neglia J, Krol RB, Saksena S. Interaction between electronic article surveillance systems and implantable defibrillators: insights from a fourth generation ICD. PACE 1997;20:2857–2859

    Google Scholar 

  26. Lucas EH, Johnson D, McElroy BP. The effects of electronic article surveillance systems on permanent cardiac pacemakers: an in vitro study. PACE 1994;17:2021–2026

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Copperman Y, Zarfati D, Laniado S. The effect of metal gates on implanted pacemakers. PACE 1988;11:12386–1387

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. De Cock CC, Spruijt HJ, Van Campen LM, Plu AW, Visser CA. Electromagnetic interference of an implantable loop recorder by commonly encountered electronic devices. PACE 2000;23:1516–1518

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Man KC, Davidson T, Langberg JJ, Morady F, Kalbfleisch SJ. Interference from hand held radiofrequency remote control causing discharge on of implantable defibrillator. PACE 1993;16:1756–1758

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Schmitt C, Brachman J, Waldecker B, Navarrete L, Pfeifer A, Ktibler W. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: possible hazards of electromagnetic interference. PACE 1991;14:982–984

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Ferrick KJ, Johnston D, Kim SG, Roth J, Brodman R, Zimmerman J, Fisher JD Inadvertent AICD inactivation while playing bingo. Am Heart J 1991;121:206–207

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Shellock FG, O’Neil M, Ivans V, Kelly D, O’Conner M, Toay L, Crues JV. Cardiac pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are unaffected by operation of an extremity MR imaging system. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1999;172:165–170

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Henry PD, Carl JR, Raffoul GW, Arndt JD, Pacifico A. Microwave catheter for deep myocardial hyperthermic ablation. PACE 1996;19:713 (abstract No. 591)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Liem LB, Mead RH, Shenasa M, Chun S, Hayase M, Kernoff R. Microwave catheter ablation using a clinical prototype system with a lateral firing antenna design. PACE 1998;21:714–721

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Strathmore NF. Interference in cardiac pacemakers (chapter 40). In: Clinical cardiac pacing. Ellenbogen KE, Kay GN, Wilkoff BL, eds. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1995: pp.770–779

    Google Scholar 

  36. Chin MC, Rosenqvist M, Lee MA, Griffin JC, Langberg JJ. The effect of radiofrequency ablation on permanent pacemakers. PACE 1990;13:23–29

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Ellenbogen KA, Wood MA, Stambler BS, et al. Acute efects of radiofrequency ablation of atrial arrhythmias on implanted permanent pacing systems. Clin Electrophysiol 1996;19:287–295

    Google Scholar 

  38. Sadoul N, Blankoff I, de Chillou C, Beurier D, Messier M, Bizeau O, Magninl, Dodinot B, Aliot E. Effects of radiofrequency catheter catheter ablation on patients with permanent pacemakers. J Intery Card Eloectrophysio 1997;1:227–233.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Chang AC, McAreavey D, Tripoli D, Fananapazir L. Radiofrequencycatheter atrioventricular node ablation in patients with permanent cardiac pacing systems. PACE 1994;17:65–69

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Kilborn MJ, McGuire MA. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular (“AV-nodal”) rentrant tachycardia in patients with implatable cardioverter defibrillators. PACE 1998;21:2681–2684

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Proclemer A, Facchin, D, Pagnutti C, Fioretti P, De Michele C. Safety of pacemaker implantation prior to radiofrequency ablation of atrioventricular junction in a single session procedure. PACE 2000;23:998–1002

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Smith DE, Kaye AD, Murabek SK, Anwar M, Friedman IM, Nossaman BD. Cardiac effects of water immersion in healthy volunteers. Echocardiography 1998;15:35–42

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Miller CS, Leonelli FM, Latham E. Selective interference with pacemaker activity by electrical dental devices. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1998;85:33–36

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Madrid A., Sanchez A, Bosch E, Fernandez E, Moro Serrano C. Dysfunction of implantable defibrillators caused by slot machines. PACE 1997;20:212–214

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Swygman CA, Sloan SB, Homoud MK, Foote CB, Link MS, Wang PJ, Estes III NAM. Oversensing of diaphragmatic myopotentials by implantable cardioverter Defibrillators: A Unique Cause of Inappropriate Therapy and Inhibition of Pacing. PACE 1998;21:810 (abstract 83)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Fetter JG, Benditt DG, Stanton MS. Electromagnetic interference from welding and motors on implantable cardioverter-defibrillators as tested in the electrically hostile work site. J Am Coll Cardiol 1996;28: 423–427

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Glikson M, Trusty JM, Grice SK, Hayes DL, Hammill SC, Stanton MS. A stepwise protocol for modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillator systems to prevent pacemaker-implantable cardioverter-defibrillator interactiona. Am J Cardiol 1999;83:360–366

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Blanck Z, Niazi I., Axtell K, Sra J, Jazayeri MR, Dhala A, Deshpande S, Akhtar M. Feasibility of concomitant implantation of permanent transvenous pacemaker and defibrillator systems. Am J Cardiol 1994; 74:1249–1253.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Brooks, R., Garan, H., McGovern, BA, Ruskin JN. Implantation of transvenous nonthoracotomy cardioverter-defibrillator systems in patients with permanent endocardial pacemakers. Am Heart J 1995;129:45–53

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Rizk, AB, Chandler JP, Schoenfeld MH, Marieb MA. Spurious detection of ventricular fibrillation by a transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. PACE 1997;20:136–137

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. California and Texas Arrhythmia Institute, St. Jude Medical, Sunnivale, Houston, Texas, USA

    Mike Hardage & Philip D. Henry

Authors
  1. Mike Hardage
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Philip D. Henry
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Arrhythmia Institute, 6560 Fannin St, Suite. 620, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA

    Antonio Pacifico  & Philip D. Henry  & 

  2. University of Washington, 7900 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Ste 300, Seattle, Washington, 98103-4819, USA

    Gust H. Bardy

  3. Westfälische Universität, Albert Schweitzer Strasse 33, Münster, 48129, Germany

    Martin Borggrefe

  4. Allegheny University Hospitals, 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19129, USA

    Francis E. Marchlinski

  5. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Av., Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, USA

    Andrea Natale

  6. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, One Clinic Center, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195-0001, USA

    Bruce I. Wilkoff

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2002 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hardage, M., Henry, P.D. (2002). Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). In: Pacifico, A., et al. Implantable Defibrillator Therapy: A Clinical Guide. Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol 244. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1055-0_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1055-0_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5372-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-1055-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation