RT-99
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Evaluation of cellular phones
electromagnetic interferences on implantable cardioverter defibrillators functioning
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Eraldo Occhetta, Laura Plebani,
Gaudenzio Sacchetti*, Giampaolo Trevi.
Divisione Clinicizzata di Cardiologia, Universita degli Studi, Torino, Facolta di
Medicina e Chirurgia, Novara,
*Ufficio Tecnico, Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore della Carita, Novara, Italy
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Abstract
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Background. Electromagnetic
interferences may occur and electronic device is subjected to electromagnetic fields.
Present mobile phone communications use analogic (TACS) or digital (GSM) technology with
radiofrequency signals emission which may interfere with implantable cardiac pulse
generators. While interferences on pacemakers have been widely studied, few data are
available about cellular phone effects on implantable cardioverters defibrillators (ICDs).
The aim of our study was to consider such interferences using different cellular phones
and ICD models.
Patients and method. 25 ICD patients (22 m, 3 f) have been considered
during the follow-up in our Centre. The ICD models were: 7 Telectronics, 6 CPI, 7
Medtronic, 3 Ventritex, 3 Ela Medical. All patients have been monitored with surface ECG;
permanent telemetric endo-ECG monitoring has been activated. Then, the effect of two
different phone systems has been tested: TACS system (Sony CM-R111, 2 Watts power) and GSM
system (Motorola MG1-4A11, 2 Watts power). For both systems, it has been observed the
effect during: call, reception, active conversation (dialogue) and passive conversation
(listening). Cellular phones have been located first in contact with the programming head,
then near the leads system, and, at last, in the hands of the patient. At the end of the
evaluations, memories have been interrogated again, to check if there were false
arrhythmia detections or not.
Results. a) All evaluated models showed a significant noise in the
telemetric transmission when cellular phones (both TACS and GSM) were located near the ICD
and the programming head; noise was particularly significative during call and reception,
in most cases leading to loss of telemetry. b) No false arrhythmia detections have been
observed during tests with cellular phones located on the ICDs. c) During tests performed
with cellular phones located near the leads or in the hands of patients, telemetric noises
or false arrhythmia detections haven't been observed.
Conclusions. 1) Present ICD models seem to be well protected from
electromagnetic interferences caused by cellular phones (TACS and GSM). 2) Cellular phones
disturb telemetries if located near the programming head. 3) ICD patients should not be
advised against the use of cellular phones, but it has to be avoided during ICD
interrogation and programmation.
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Key Words
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Implantable cardioverter defibrillator –
function, indications
cellular phones, electromagnetic interference, TACS technology, GSM technology,
programming and telemetric check up, OA
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