In spite of the development of specific shielding of electronic devices as well as the current-day preference for bipolar sensing, electromagnetic interference (EMI) may still occur with certain pacemakers in certain settings, which in turn may lead to false inhibition of ventricular stimulation with potentially fatal consequences. The most important sources of clinically relevant EMI include medical diagnostics and therapy (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, radiofrequency ablation, cardioversion/defibrillation, and electrocautery), the working environment (including high-power lines, combustion/degaussing/welding equipment, and others), as well as sources from daily life (such as wireless mobile phones, metal detectors, household appliances such as induction furnaces, electronic article surveillance devices, and others). To what extent, and whether or not at all, any given source of interference leads to EMI depends on several factors including the duration of interference, the field strength, and the frequency spectrum of the source. In addition, lead properties and device programming are important determinants. Awareness, recognition, and avoidance of EMI sources is of paramount importance, particularly in high-risk pacemaker-dependent individuals. The importance of proper education of patients as well as healthcare providers cannot be overemphasized.
Reduction in the Electromagnetic Interference Generated by AC Overhead Power Lines on Buried Metallic Pipelines with Screening Conductors
