Shoplifter & Metal Detectors Effect
Pacemakers, ICDs, Spinal Cord Stimulators
ROCKVILLE, MD--The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of
the FDA has recently released a warning that the operation of certain
medical devices, including pacemakers, implantable
cardioverter/defibrillators, and spinal cord stimulators may be
affected by the electromagnetic fields produced by anti-theft systems
and metal detectors.
Anti-theft systems, also called electronic article surveillance (EAS)
systems, are used in a wide variety of settings, including
supermarkets, shopping malls, and libraries. They typically consist
of one or two columns placed opposite each other near entrances and
exits. Several technologies are currently on the market, but
generally an electromagnetic detection field is produced between the
two columns and an alarm sounds if an article with a special tag is
carried between the columns.
Metal detectors for airport and facility security applications can be
either portals that a person walks through, or can be hand-held
"wands" that are passed over a person´s body. Metal detectors use
various technologies involving magnetic fields to detect the presence
of metal.
In the past 10 years, the FDA has received 44 adverse event
reports where EAS systems and metal detectors appeared to interfere
with the routine function of implantable pacemakers, implantable
cardioverter/defibrillators, and spinal cord stimulators. Similar
events have also been reported in medical literature. The FDA
believes that EAS systems or metal detectors can potentially interact
with other electronic medical devices as well.
For pacemakers, the types of responses to the interference reported
were: shifts in pacing rate; alteration to programmed pacing therapy;
loss of or near loss of consciousness; and chest pain. Two patients
with implantable cardioverter/defibrillators inappropriately received
shocks to the heart. Seventeen patients reported overstimulation
from implanted spinal-cord stimulators.
The FDA notes that the number of reported significant patient
injuries is very low. Nevertheless, the following information and
recommendations have been issued to help patients prevent or minimize
any adverse effects.
Interactions with EAS systems and metal detectors are unlikely to
cause clinically significant symptoms in most patients. However, to
be on the safe side, patients with electronic medical devices,
particularly those who are dependent on the device (e.g., pacemaker
dependent), may wish to take some simple precautions:
- Be aware that EAS systems may be hidden/camouflaged in
entrances and exits where they are not readily visible in many
commercial establishments.
- Do not stay near the EAS system or metal detector longer than
is necessary and do not lean against the system.
- If scanning with a hand held metal detector is necessary, warn
the security personnel that you have an electronic medical device and
ask them not to hold the metal detector near the device any longer
than is absolutely necessary; or you may wish to ask for an alternate
form of personal search.
FDA solicits your help in collecting data on adverse events related
to electromagnetic interference from EAS and metal detector systems
as well as any other source. Doctors can report the incident
directly to MedWatch, the FDA´s voluntary reporting program. The
reports can be submitted by phone at 800-FDA-1088, by fax at 800-FDA-
0178, or by mail to: MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, HF-2,
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.
Last Editorial Review: 11/13/1998
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