Do endoscopy capsules interfere with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators?
OBJECTIVE
Capsule endoscopy is already an established diagnostic tool, and the newly introduced capsule PillCam COLON is now entering clinical studies. Because of the very limited clinical experience in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), it is generally recommended that capsule endoscopy should not be used in these patients. Therefore, we investigated, in vitro, the possible interference between three different endoscopy capsules (Given Imaging and Olympus) and ICDs.


METHODS
A total of 45 ICD devices were separately placed in a tank filled with a 0.9 % saline solution. With the help of pin jacks, the pacing pulses of ICDs were recorded and inhibiting signals could be coupled in. The capsules were placed in different positions near to the lead and the ICD device, and finally placed on the case of the device for 1 minute each. The function of each device was observed continuously.


RESULTS
Even when the capsules were in closest proximity to the ICDs, no interference was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical use of the three tested capsule devices is safe in patients with ICDs.
Klinikum Wetzlar, Medizinische Klinik 1, Wetzlar, Germany. dirk.bandorski@lahn-dill-kliniken.de
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D
Bandorski
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W
Irnich
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M
Brück
W
W
Kramer
R
R
Jakobs
D053704:Capsule Endoscopy; D000075202:Contraindications; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D018570:Risk Assessment