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Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are designed so that an application of a reasonably strong (10-gauss) magnet can inactivate the therapy. This safety feature enables the device's therapies to be suspended for surgeries with cauterization and inappropriate shocks caused by rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) and lead fractures, among other issues. Theoretical concerns have been raised about interference of ICDs by cell phones; however, this interaction in real-life patients has rarely, perhaps never, been reported.
Apple's new iPhone 12 contains a powerful magnet, which enables it to correctly align with external accessories (e.g., for wireless battery charging). In an experiment with a single person with an implanted Medtronic trans…