In vitro tests reveal sample radiofrequency identification readers inducing clinically significant electromagnetic interference to implantable pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Background: The use of radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems is expanding and highlights the need to address electromagnetic interference (EMI) to implantable pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Objective: This study sought to examine the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between RFID readers and implantable pacemakers or ICDs.

Methods: During in vitro testing, 15 implantable pacemakers and 15 ICDs were exposed to 13 passive RFID readers in 3 frequency bands: 134 kHz (low frequency [LF]), 13.

Effects of CT irradiation on implantable cardiac rhythm management devices.

Purpose: To prospectively measure the response of a variety of models of implantable cardiac rhythm management devices (ICRMDs) to the radiation delivered by computed tomography (CT), for both maximum and typical dose levels.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-one ICRMDs (13 pacemakers, eight cardioverter-defibrillators) manufactured by Medtronic (Minneapolis, Minn) were exposed to ionizing radiation from CT systems in both spiral and dynamic acquisition modes at maximum and typical dose levels. Devices were monitored during exposure to check for any operational abnormalities and were interrogated after exposure to check for any residual abnormalities.