Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyResearch article
Risk of occurrence of electromagnetic interference from the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the sensing function of implantable defibrillators
- Pilot safety study
- standardized test protocol
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
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:10.1093/europace/euad206
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it