BetaEntity Annotation Prototype
← Back to diseases

Annotated abstract

4-021 The impact of electro-magnetic interference(EMI) on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDS) following mini-invasive surgical procedures and the clinical role of simple magnets for risk prevention: a retrospective review

heartjnl · 2025-08-13 · canonical JSON source

6 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

Document resource

Background Cardiac implantable electronic devices(CIEDs), such as permanent pacemakers(PPM) and implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), play a critical role in managing arrhythmias and preventing sudden cardiac arrest. However, during mini-invasive surgeries (such as endoscopic biopsy) that require electrosurgical equipment, including bipolar and short-burst cautery, there is a risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can lead to inappropriate shocks, pacing dysfunction, or device malfunction. To mitigate these risks, simple magnets are often used to temporarily disable shock delivery in ICDs and modulate pacing mode in permanent pacemakers . Our retrospective review investigates the safe and effective use of magnets in preventing device interference during surgery, while emphasizing the importance of rhythm monitoring and the availability of defibrillators in case of arrhythmias.Objective The objective of this study is to understand the safety and efficacy of magnet use in temporarily disabling ICDs and brady-devices(PPM) during surgeries(involving the use of cautery). Further objective aims to identify optimal timing and placement of simple magnets, ensuring safe device management while minimizing EMI-related risks during procedures.Methods A retrospective review was conducted at a single tertiary centre, involving 15 patients with PPMs(Brady-Devices) and 15 patients with ICDs undergoing procedures that mandate the use of cautery. Prior to cautery use, a magnet was taped securely over the ICD or Brady-device to disable shock delivery or to adjust pacing. Continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring was performed throughout the procedures to detect any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia occurred in a patient with an ICD, the magnet was immediately removed, cautery was stopped, and the ICD was allowed to deliver a shock. A defibrillator was kept immediately available in case of emergency. Postoperative device checks were conducted to ensure proper device functionality after magnet removal.Results In all 30 patients undergoing mini-invasive surgical procedures, the magnets effectively disabled the shock function of ICDs and modulated pacing in patients with brady-devices(PPMs), allowing for safe use of bipolar and short-burst cautery. No inappropriate shocks or pacing issues were observed during the procedures. Continuous rhythm monitoring revealed no arrhythmias that required intervention, except for one patient with an ICD, where the magnet was promptly removed, cautery ceased, and the ICD delivered a successful shock. No adverse events were associated with magnet use, and all devices were fully functional following surgery.Conclusion and Discussion The use of magnets to disable ICDs and Brady-devices(PPMs) during surgeries with bipolar and short-burst cautery is a safe and effective method to prevent device-related complications. This practice ensures that electromagnetic interference from cautery tools does not trigger inappropriate shocks or disrupt pacing. Our retrospective review contributes to the growing body of knowledge regarding surgical safety in patients with implanted cardiac devices and highlight the importance of proper coordination among the surgical team, including anaesthesiologists and cardiologists. Future research should focus on refining magnet usage protocols and exploring the long-term outcomes of device function following such interventions.