New Studies Find Metal Detectors Safe, But Abdominal Stimulators Interfere With Pacemakers

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New Studies Find Metal Detectors Safe, But Abdominal Stimulators Interfere With Pacemakers

WASHINGTON, DC, May 13, 2003 - Two new studies show that while airport metal detectors are safe for people with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), the abdominal stimulator belts advertised on TV to tone muscles can interfere with these types of implantable medical devices. The studies will be released during the NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society's 24th Annual Scientific Sessions from May 14-17. "This is good news for pacemaker patients who travel frequently, but bad news for patients using these belts in hopes of strengthening their abdominal muscles," said Stephen C. Hammill, M.D., program chair of the NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society meeting and director of Heart Rhythm Services for Mayo Clinic. "Anyone with a pacemaker or an ICD should not be using any kind of abdominal stimulator until further testing is done." The abdominal stimulator study monitored the effects of using the commercially available AbEnergizer on eight patients with pacemakers and 20 patients with ICDs. After 30 seconds of abdominal stimulation, results showed that 14 percent of patients with pacemakers and 50 percent of those with ICDs experienced electromagnetic interference with their implantable devices. The metal detector study tested the effects of 148 patients with ICDs passing through a standard airport metal detector two times, the standard number of airport security screenings. Results showed no effects from the screenings on any of the ICDs, and demonstrated that standard metal detector gates are clinically safe for patients with these types of devices. The NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society's 24th Annual Scientific Sessions are May 14-17 at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl., NW in Washington, DC. The meeting includes more than 100 sessions and new studies on dozens of topics such as gene therapy, sleep apnea, syncope (loss of consciousness) during driving, and pacemakers in children and infants. Most of the world's leading experts in pacing and cardiac electrophysiology join more than 6,000 attendees. Founded in 1979, NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its membership of some 3,500 physicians and associated professionals works to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal health care policies and standards.

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