Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators do not need to worry about e-Cars: An observational study

Carsten Lennerz, Lorenz Horlbeck, Severin Weigand, Christian Grebmer, Patrick Blazek, Amir Brkic, Verena Semmler, Bernhard Haller, Tilko Reents, Gabriele Hessling, Isabel Deisenhofer, Markus Lienkamp, Christof Kolb, Matthew O'Connor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Electric cars are increasingly used for public and private transportation and represent possible sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Potential implications for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) range from unnecessary driving restrictions to life-threatening device malfunction. This prospective, cross-sectional study was designed to assess the EMI risk of electric cars on CIED function. METHODS: One hundred and eight consecutive patients with CIEDs presenting for routine follow-up between May 2014 and January 2015 were enrolled in the study. The participants were exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by the four most common electric cars (Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, BMW i3, VW eUp) while roller-bench test-driving at Institute of Automotive Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University, Munich. The primary endpoint was any abnormalities in CIED function (e.g. oversensing with pacing-inhibition, inappropriate therapy or mode-switching) while driving or charging electric cars as assessed by electrocardiographic recordings and device interrogation. RESULTS: No change in device function or programming was seen in this cohort which is representative of contemporary CIED devices. The largest electromagnetic field detected was along the charging cable during high current charging (116.5 μT). The field strength in the cabin was lower (2.1-3.6 μT). CONCLUSIONS: Electric cars produce electromagnetic fields; however, they did not affect CIED function or programming in our cohort. Driving and charging of electric cars is likely safe for patients with CIEDs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalTechnology and Health Care
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Electric cars
  • cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED)
  • defibrillator
  • electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • pacemaker

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators do not need to worry about e-Cars: An observational study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this