Electromagnetic Interference With Implantable Cardiac Devices

Although pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are subject to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from many sources, relatively few are capable of causing clinically significant interference. However, in the rapidly evolving technology -driven environment in which we live, new devices that could theoretically cause interference with implanted devices constantly appear both within and outside the hospital environment. It is important that the clinician caring for a patient with an implanted device be aware of these sources to provide appropriate education and protection for the patient. Therefore, even if there are few new threats for the patient with a pacemaker or ICD in 2002, a review of the known sources of EMI is important.