• Hengameh B Pajer, Andrew P Carlson, James A Botros, and Heather S Spader.
• Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
• World Neurosurg. 2022 Oct 1; 166: e568e571e568-e571.

BackgroundProgrammable shunts play a valuable role in the treatment of hydrocephalus. However, the use of magnets in programming these valves has caused obstacles in today's magnetized world. Previous studies have reported problems with magnetic toys and electronics unintentionally reprogramming shunt valves. This study investigated how an Apple Watch can interfere with the Codman CERTAS Plus electronic programmer.MethodsIn this in vitro study, we tested the magnetic field emitted by Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, and 6 using an electromagnetic field tester at distances of 0-50 mm. We conducted 20 trials of shunt programming and shunt setting reading with and without each watch.ResultsAll 4 watches generated significant magnetic fields. Maximum magnetic fields were Series 3, 165.73 millitesla (mT); Series 4, 144.91 mT; Series 5, 131.09 mT; and Series 6, 130.68 mT. All 4 watches interfered with the programmer's ability to correctly read and program the valve setting.ConclusionsThe Codman CERTAS Plus electronic programmer detects the magnetic field emitted from an Apple Watch and mistakes it for the valve, rendering programming difficult. These smartwatches and similar electronic devices should be kept away from the programmer and not worn by health care providers to avoid inappropriate readings and setting changes.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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