Potential interference of small neodymium magnets with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic fields may interfere with the function of cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are small in size but produce strong magnetic fields, have become widely available in recent years. Therefore, NdFeB magnets may be associated with an emerging risk of device interference.


OBJECTIVE
We conducted a clinical study to evaluate the potential of small NdFeB magnets to interfere with cardiac pacemakers and ICDs.


METHODS
The effect of four NdFeB magnets (two spherical magnets 8 and 10 mm in diameter, a necklace made of 45 spherical magnets, and a magnetic name tag) was tested in forty-one ambulatory patients with a pacemaker and 29 patients with an ICD. The maximum distance at which the magnetic switch of a device was influenced was observed.


RESULTS
Magnetic interference was observed in all patients. The maximum distance resulting in device interference was 3 cm. No significant differences were found with respect to device manufacturer and device types.


CONCLUSIONS
Small NdFeB magnets may cause interference with cardiac pacemakers and ICDs. Patients should be cautioned about the interference risk associated with NdFeB magnets during daily life.
Wolber
Thomas
T
Cardiovascular Center, Cardiology, University Hospital, Zurich. thomas.wolber@usz.ch
Ryf
Salome
S
Binggeli
Christian
C
Holzmeister
Johannes
J
Brunckhorst
Corinna
C
Luechinger
Roger
R
Duru
Firat
F
D000368:Aged; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009354:Neodymium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial
D009354:Neodymium