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. 2003 Jun 4;41(11):2054-9.
doi: 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)00424-8.

Do airport metal detectors interfere with implantable pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators?

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Do airport metal detectors interfere with implantable pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators?

Christof Kolb et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. .
Free article

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether airport metal detector gates (AMDGs) interfere with pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Background: It is currently unknown whether AMDGs interfere with implanted PMs or ICDs.

Methods: A total of 348 consecutive patients (200 PM and 148 ICD recipients) have been tested for the occurrence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) within the electromagnetic field of a worldwide-used airport metal detector.

Results: No interference, such as pacing or sensing abnormalities, was observed in any of the 200 PM and 148 ICD patients; also no reprogramming occurred.

Conclusions: In vivo testing of PM and ICD systems showed no EMI with a standard AMDG. Clinically relevant interactions with implanted PMs or ICDs seem unlikely.

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