[Does alternative medical equipment result in pacemaker dysfunction?].

Abstract

Employment of alternative therapeutic measures is increasing in Denmark. Some of this equipment employs magnetic fields in the therapeutic strategy. This may involve interference with the function of electronic equipment. Electronic interference may, in certain situations, influence pace-maker function. In the worst cases, it may be imagined that the situation may endanger life for persons who are dependent on pace-makers. When a pace-maker is exposed to a magnetic field of a certain strength, the type of pacing is changed to a fixed frequency. Some pace-maker types carry out a built-in test programme when exposed to magnetic influence (vario- or threshold test). The magnetic influence may involve discomfort for the wearer of the pace-maker, but does not endanger life. Investigation of stationary magnetic fields from alternative medical equipment resulted in disturbance of pace-maker function in an isolated case. Pulsating magnetic fields may result in possible induction of electric current which may be wrongly interpreted by the pacemaker. The results of this may be that the pace-maker does not send out pace impulses. As protection from continuous electric noise, pace-makers have a built-in electronic safety circuit (dual-demand). When this is activated, the pace-maker will stimulate with a basic frequency. It is recommended that equipment which employs magnetic fields in treatment should be measured before being employed on pace-maker wearers.