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Previous Volume 339:1371-1374 November 5, 1998 Number 19 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Implantable cardioverter–defibrillators have an important role in the treatment of patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Electromagnetic interference with permanent pacemakers and implantable defibrillators may have deleterious effects.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11} Electronic antitheft-surveillance devices, which are widely used in stores, libraries, and other places to prevent theft, are a potential source of electromagnetic interference. Approximately 400,000 of these devices are in use worldwide.

Electromagnetic interference with implantable defibrillators can generally be divided into four types. The most common type involves an overcounting of the ventricular rate. Misinterpretation of rapid rates may lead to inappropriate antitachycardia pacing or the delivery of shocks. Since the current generation . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Case Report

Discussion

Source Information

From the Section of Cardiology, Rush–Presbyterian–St. Luke's Medical Center, 1753 W. Congress Pky., Chicago, IL 60612, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Santucci.

References

Related Letters:

Implantable Defibrillators, Pacemakers, and Electronic Antitheft Devices
Harthorne J. W., Barach P., Baum E., Santucci P. A., Pinski S. L., Trohman R. G., McIvor M. E., Sridhar S.
Extract | Full Text  
N Engl J Med 1999; 340:1117-1119, Apr 8, 1999. Correspondence

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