Effect of electroMagnetic Interference from smartPHone On cardiac implaNtable Electronic device (EMI-PHONE study)

Abstract Background Smartphone can emit two types of electromagnetic waves, static field from magnet and dynamic field from calling. Previous evidence showed the interference effects from old generation of mobile phones to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIEDs). The current generation of smartphones and CIEDS are reportedly better designed to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). We seek to find the presence and the magnitude of EMI from the current generation of smartphones. Methods A total of 80 consecutive subjects with CIEDs (Included pacemaker, ICD, CRT-D, CRT-P) were recruited from our CIEDs clinic and were tested for EMI. Each subject was tested with three different smartphones (Nokia 3310, Iphone 7, and Samsung 9S). Each phone was attached to chest wall at 0 cm at pulse generator site, at atrial lead, and at ventricular lead site. During the tests, real-time interrogations were performed to detect any EMI from smartphone in stand-by mode, and during calling-in and out for 30 seconds. After the tests, post-test interrogation was performed to detect any parameters changes. Adverse events including pacemaker inhibition, false ICD shock, CIEDs device malfunction, and urgent electrophysiologist consultations were recorded. Results Of all 80 subjects (Mean age 70.5±12.9 year-old, 50% male) recruited in the study, all completed the tests according to our protocol. The most common type of CIEDs tested was pacemaker (N=56, 70%), followed by ICD (N=16, 20%), and CRT (N=8, 10%). Most patients (N=62, 77.5%) had more than one lead implanted. The mean year of implantation was 5.2±2.8 (Devices were implanted since 2008-2019). Of all the tests performed, there was no EMI or adverse events observed. Conclusion Current generation of smartphones have no EMI effect to CIEDs and can be used safely without any adverse events including pacemaker inhibition, false ICD shock and CIEDs device malfunction.