• Ashok J Shah, Joseph D Brunett, Jay P Thaker, Mehul B Patel, Valdis V Liepa, Krit Jongnarangsin, and Ranjan K Thakur.
• Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute, Sparrow Health System, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan 48910, USA.
• Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2010 Jun 1; 33 (6): 712-20.

BackgroundContemporary implantable heart rhythm devices communicate multiple complex data simultaneously using radiofrequency telemetry. Interference in communication can expose them to the risk of potential corruption, leading to adverse clinical consequences.Methods & ResultsWe studied the characteristics of interference with uplink (real time intracardiac electrograms, marker channel, and stored histograms) and downlink (attempt to program a change in the lower rate limit, the pacing mode, and the ventricular lead configuration) data transmission between the wand and the pacemaker caused by digital media players (iPods--Photo and 3G) in 50 patients. We also measured and characterized worst-case magnetic field emissions (MFE) from the wand (ConclusionLow-power MFE from iPods can produce interference with establishment and maintenance of a telemetry link and can cause TI with transmission of real time data, but because of continuous check protocols, do not corrupt the stored and vital downlink data.

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