Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Abstract

Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators Fahd Nadeem, Cao Thach Tran, Estelle Torbey, Daniel Philbin, Carlos Morales, Michael Wu. Interference by Modern Smartphones and Accessories with Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2022 Jan 27. doi: 10.1007/s11886-022-01653-0. Abstract Purpose of review: The risk of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) interference from cell phones was previously thought to be low based on older studies. Current generation of smartphones have incorporated more magnets for optimization of wireless charging, attachment of accessories, and convenience functionalities. These magnets have the potential to cause CIEDs to inadvertently revert into magnet mode. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on smartphones and their accessories causing interference on CIEDs. Recent findings: Recent reports have demonstrated that the iPhone 12 series and accessories have the capability to cause CIED magnetic interference. Current generation of smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and accessories have the potential to cause CIEDs to revert into magnet mode in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments. The risk of a clinically significant event is unlikely as long as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations are followed; keeping smartphones and accessories at least six inches away from CIEDs. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Recent reports indicate the iPhone 12 series and accessories can cause magnetic interference with CIEDs. In vivo and ex vivo experiments suggest current-generation smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and accessories can cause CIEDs to revert into magnet mode. The abstract states clinically significant events are unlikely if FDA recommendations are followed (keeping devices at least six inches away from CIEDs).

Outcomes measured

• Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) magnetic interference
• CIED reversion into magnet mode
• Clinically significant events (risk assessment)

Limitations

• Narrative review summarizing recent findings; no primary study methods, sample sizes, or quantitative effect estimates provided in the abstract
• Exposure characteristics (e.g., frequencies, field strengths, SAR) not reported in the abstract
• Clinical outcome data and event rates not provided in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.2)
  Mentions FDA recommendations regarding device separation distance; no WHO/ICNIRP content stated.
• 5g-policy (0)

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        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "People with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers and defibrillators",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) magnetic interference",
        "CIED reversion into magnet mode",
        "Clinically significant events (risk assessment)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Recent reports indicate the iPhone 12 series and accessories can cause magnetic interference with CIEDs. In vivo and ex vivo experiments suggest current-generation smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and accessories can cause CIEDs to revert into magnet mode. The abstract states clinically significant events are unlikely if FDA recommendations are followed (keeping devices at least six inches away from CIEDs).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Narrative review summarizing recent findings; no primary study methods, sample sizes, or quantitative effect estimates provided in the abstract",
        "Exposure characteristics (e.g., frequencies, field strengths, SAR) not reported in the abstract",
        "Clinical outcome data and event rates not provided in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
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        "cardiac implantable electronic device",
        "pacemaker",
        "defibrillator",
        "magnet mode",
        "interference",
        "FDA recommendations"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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            "reason": "Mentions FDA recommendations regarding device separation distance; no WHO/ICNIRP content stated."
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}

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