THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS AN PERMANENT CARDIAC-PACEMAKERS - AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Five Siemens Pacesetter cardiac pacemakers (PM), were subjected to in vitro testing with six different electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices. The PMs consisted of polarity programmable, dedicated bipola r, and dedicated unipolar types. EAS equipment included UHF, RF, Magne tic, and Magnetoacoustic (MA) devices from two manufacturers. Prior to testing each PM was interrogated and normal operation confirmed. Each PM was attached to a heart simulator via an eight foot cable and then subjected to testing within the EAS field. The PMs were passed throug h the field in two axes, positioned stationary within the field, and, worst case (WC), placed directly against the transmitter. During testi ng the ECG was observed and PM behavior recorded. In one PM (Synchrony IIIR), Event Records, and Event Histograms were utilized. At the conc lusion of testing with each EAS device the PM was evaluated for normal operation. Results: No PM was reprogrammed by the EAS devices. UHF pr oduced no effect on the PMs. RF produced noise response in one unipola r PM while in the WC position. High frequency and multifrequency magne tic units produced positive results only in the WC position. Unipolar PMs were affected more often than bipolar. MA and older magnetic EAS u nits produced more positive responses than newer lower power devices. One incident of close coupled (400 msec) ventricular pacing was seen w ith the MA EAS unit. Conclusions: UHF, RF, high frequency, and dual fr equency magnetic EAS produced few effects during in vitro testing. Exc ept with the MA and low frequency magnetic devices, positive results o ccurred only in WC conditions. Additional in vitro and in vivo testing is required to evaluate the interaction between PM patients and EAS d evices. Careful evaluation of MA EAS systems with a wide variety of PM s is indicated to rule out RF induction through the lead system of the PM.