Effect of electromagnetic interference of digital cellular telephones with different specific absorption rate value on implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Abstract

Effect of electromagnetic interference of digital cellular telephones with different specific absorption rate value on implantable cardioverter defibrillators INTRODUCTION: The development of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) during the past 25 years has revolutionized the approach to prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Multiple clinical trials have defined the indications for ICD therapy in the prevention of primary and secondary SCD. Our current understanding of risk stratification is a victory for evidence-based medicine; perhaps no other area of cardiology has been so rigorously evaluated. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is defined as any signal, biological or nonbiological, that is within a frequency spectrum detectable by the sensing circuitry of the ICD. EMI can result in rate alteration, sensing abnormalities, asynchronous pacing, noise reversion, or reprogramming. EMI can also cause failure to deliver antibradycardia pacing, inappropriate delivery of antitachycardia therapy, resetting of programmed parameters, and damage to the pulse generator or myocardial interface. Mobile phones (also known as cellular or cellphones) allow communication from any location via a network of base stations. SUMMARY 172 The information is transmitted from the mobile phone to the base station and vice versa via high-frequency electromagnetic fields. The proportion of the radiation that is absorbed by the body when making a call varies according to the model of mobile phone. It is expressed by the specific absorption rate (SAR). The lower SAR of the device, the lower the radiation that is absorbed by the body. A SAR value is a measure of the maximum energy absorbed by a unit of mass of exposed tissue of a person using a mobile phone, over a given time or more simply the power absorbed per unit mass. SAR values are usually expressed in units of watts per kilogram (W/kg) in either 1g or 10g of tissue. AIM OF THE WORK : To investigate whether electromagnetic field generated by mobile phones with different SAR values can interfere with (affect) the function of implantable cardioverter defibrillators. PATIENTS & METHODS: This study included 15 patients, who received Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator either for primary or secondary prevention of SCD. They were followed up at either Ain Shams University, Ain Shams Specialized hospital, Al Galaa and Al Maadi military hospitals.