Increasing Use of Magnet Technology In Personal Electronic Devices May Present Risks to Patients With Implantable Cardiac Device
April 26, 2022Syracuse, NY — (April 26, 2022) Magnets in newer portable electronic devices (PED) have the potential to temporarily interfere with cardiac implants, says a cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute.
A recent study released by the American Heart Association found that magnets in newer portable electronic devices (PED), if placed too close to an implantable cardiac device, could interfere with its functionality. The issue with magnets and devices is not a new one; cell phones have always been a concern. But now, devices include the Apple AirPod Pro charging case, the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation and the Microsoft Surface Pen. According to the study, when a PED is carried near the chest of an individual with a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED), there is a risk of the CIED’s ability to help regulate the heart.
“For years we have advised patients with a CIED (e.g. defibrillator or pacemaker) to hold the cell phone at the opposite ear from your device, or at least six inches away,” said Dr. Ali Al-Mudamgha, St. Joseph’s Physicians Electrophysiologist. “The stronger magnet charge/magnet smart technology found in devices like the Apple Pencil has the potential to interfere with the device performance.”
Researchers advised a minimal distance is between 0.8 cm (0.31 inches) for the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, and 1.8 cm (0.71 inches) for the Microsoft Surface Pen and the opened charging case of the Apple AirPods Pro for patient safety.
Dr. Al-Mudamgha points out that we don’t need to have unnecessary fear as CIEDs have built-in systems to regain full function once the magnet is removed.
“If the magnet is large enough, and it encounters a CIED, the CIED will send an audible alert warning that the patient that something is interfering with the CIED, providing ample time for the patient to move the PED,” he said.
About St. Joseph’s Health
St. Joseph’s Health is a regional non-profit health care system based in Syracuse, NY. St. Joseph’s has been an innovative leader in health care since our founding in 1869 as the first hospital open to the public in the city of Syracuse. Offering primary, specialty and home care, a Magnet-recognized hospital, and collaboration with community partners, St. Joseph’s Health advances the well-being of the communities we serve through an expanding range of services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. St. Joseph’s is the only hospital in Syracuse to hold the LeapFrog ‘A’ safety rating, ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, a designated Stroke Center and a U.S. News “Best Regional Hospital.” St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Physicians, and is a member of Trinity Health. For more information, visit www.sjhsyr.org.
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