Security millimetre wave body scanner safe for patients with leadless pacemakers or subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Patrick Blažek, Matthew J. O’Connor, Severin Weigand, Christian Grebmer, Sebastian Reif, Stephanie Fichtner, Lena Friedrich, Tilko Reents, Marc Kottmaier, Verena Semmler, Felix Bourier, Heribert Schunkert, Isabel Deisenhofer, Christof Kolb, Carsten Lennerz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects and safety of the new security screening millimetre wave body scanners (MWBSs) for patients with rare cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Methods: We identified 73 patients with either entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICD) or leadless pacemakers (LPM) attending routine device follow-up. CIED programming was optimised for the detection of EMI occurrence, and high-voltage therapy was disabled. Patients then underwent millimetre wave body scans under continuous ECG monitoring. Scanning was performed at the recommended distance as well as in close proximity to the scanner emulating accidental exposure. CIED function was observed for EMI effects. Results: There were no episodes of inhibition of pacing in the leadless pacemaker subgroup, no oversensing in the S-ICD subgroup and no spontaneous device reprogramming in any group. There was no change in pacing or sensing thresholds, and S-ICD vector eligibility remained unchanged after scanning with the MWBS. No CIEDs were identified by the MWBS during the study. Conclusion: No EMI events were detected during the use of MWBSs by patients with either S-ICDs or LPMs. This data should be reassuring for patients suggesting that they can undergo security body scans without worries or disclosure of their CIED status.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)603-607
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

Keywords

  • Electromagnetic interference
  • Leadless pacemaker
  • Micra
  • Security screening
  • Subcutaneous ICD

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