BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

• Many new smartphones are equipped with magnetic wireless charging
  • E.g., Apple’s MagSafe technology can generate magnet field strength >50 gauss (G)
• Nadeem et al. (Journal of the American Heart Association, 2021) assessed whether magnet interference can impact the function of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs)

METHODS:

• Case series
• Participants
  • ≥18 years and presenting to the electrophysiology laboratory for generator change or being seen by the inpatient electrophysiology consult team
  • Medtronic, Abbott, or Boston Scientific CIEDs
• Study design
  • In vivo component
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max directly placed on the skin over the device
    • Effect was studied by device interrogation
  • Ex vivo component
    • CIEDs from major device companies were tested for magnetic interference caused by iPhone 12 Pro Max

RESULTS:

• 3 participants were tested in the in vivo component
  • Magnet interference triggered: All (100%) of the patients
• 11 devices tested ex vivo
  • Magnet interference triggered: 72.7% of devices
  • Magnet reversion mode could be triggered at a distance up to 1.5 cm from the anterior aspect of the device

CONCLUSION:

• Placing an iPhone 12 Pro Max directly on the skin over an implantable cardiac device can trigger magnet reversion mode and potentially alter function of the device
• Devices from three major companies were found to be susceptible to magnetic interference from a smartphone equipped with the latest generation of magnetic wireless charging
• The authors conclude

Based on the variability of interactions with respect to different smartphone models, patients are advised to consult with a heart rhythm specialist regarding recommendations specific to their smartphone and CIED

Learn More – Primary Sources:

Magnetic Interference on Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices From Apple iPhone MagSafe Technology

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