Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Risk of occurrence of electromagnetic interference from the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the sensing function of implantable defibrillators
Authors' conclusion
Overall, only intermittent and minor EMI were detected.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) defibrillators (55 models, 4 manufacturers) undergoing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at cervical spine and thorax, high-frequency (80 Hz) and burst-mode (2 Hz)
- Participants
- 107 patients
- Outcome
- Occurrence of EMI from TENS on ICD sensing
Methodological detailsstandardized test protocol
- Standardized test protocol
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
EMI detected
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) detected
- 17 of 107 patients (15.9%)
- Interpretation as premature ventricular beats (VS/S)
- 15 patients (14%)
- Noise reversion
- 5 (4.6%)
- Temporary asynchronous pacing (from noise reversion)
- 3 (2.8%)
- Interpretation as VT/VF
- 2 (1.9%)
- Premature atrial beat
- 2 (1.9%)
Further findings
Factors influencing EMI occurrence
- Position (chest)
- P < 0.01
- Higher current intensity
- P < 0.01
- Manufacturer
- P = 0.012
Original publication
Risk of occurrence of electromagnetic interference from the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the sensing function of implantable defibrillators. Europace. Published 24 July 2023. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it