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Handheld Electro-Shockers Pose Risk for Interaction With Implantable Cardiac Devices

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 9, 2025.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2025 -- When applied to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), commercially available handheld electro-shockers pose a relevant risk for interaction, according to a study published online April 9 in HeartRhythm.

Felix K. Wegner, M.D., from University Hospital Munster in Germany, and colleagues examined the effects of handheld electro-shockers on CIEDs. Six pacemakers (PMs) and 10 implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) from different manufacturers were implanted in a subcutaneous and submuscular location in an isolated section of a porcine chest and were connected to an interactive heart simulator. Three electro-shockers with varying voltage (PowerMax [500,000 V]; Electric Guard [250,000 V]; Bikenda [<50,000 V]) were applied to the porcine chest successively.

The researchers found that during testing, there was no damage to any of the PMs or ICDs. The highest rate of interaction subcutaneously was documented with the PowerMax electro-shocker; all 16 devices inhibited stimulation during electro-shock application and six of 10 ICDs stored a ventricular high-rate episode. Inhibition of stimulation was seen in 10 of 16 devices with application of the Electric Guard electro-shocker, while one of the ICDs had a stored ventricular high-rate episode. The lowest rate of oversensing was seen with the Bikenda electro-shocker, with inhibition of stimulation in two devices; none of the 10 ICDs had storage of a ventricular high-rate episode. No relevant difference was seen between subcutaneous and submuscular placement of the device.

"The risk of interaction is primarily dependent on applied voltage, but resulting changes in cardiac device behavior differ according to the respective manufacturer," the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted April 2025

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