Characteristics of telemetry interference with pacemakers caused by digital media players.

Background: Contemporary implantable heart rhythm devices communicate multiple complex data simultaneously using radiofrequency telemetry. Interference in communication can expose them to the risk of potential corruption, leading to adverse clinical consequences.

Methods & Results: We studied the characteristics of interference with uplink (real time intracardiac electrograms, marker channel, and stored histograms) and downlink (attempt to program a change in the lower rate limit, the pacing mode, and the ventricular lead configuration) data transmission between the wand and the pacemaker caused by digital media players (iPods--Photo and 3G) in 50 patients.

Do media players cause interference with pacemakers?

Background: Electrical devices generate electromagnetic fields that may interfere with pacemakers. Media players cause telemetry interference with pacemakers, but it is not known whether they cause direct interference with pacemakers. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between pacemakers and 3 different media players.