Electromagnetic interference with a bipolar pacemaker by an induction heating (IH) rice cooker

Int Heart J. 2009 Jan;50(1):133-7. doi: 10.1536/ihj.50.133.

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields may interfere with normal pacemaker function. Despite new device designs and bipolar leads, electromagnetic interference (EMI) remains a concern when pacemaker recipients are exposed to various household appliances. We report the observation of EMI by an induction heating (IH) rice cooker in a patient with sick sinus syndrome who was the recipient of a bipolar dual chamber-pacing system. Stored electrograms revealed episodes of inappropriate ventricular pacing, all coinciding with the opening of an IH rice cooker. Recipients of implantable medical devices must be warned to handle IH rice cookers with caution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cooking / instrumentation*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Heating / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / therapy*