Hand-Held Metal Detectors Didn't Affect Pacemaker or ICD Function

Metal detectors create magnetic fields that theoretically could interfere with pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) function. A prior study, however, showed that airport metal detector gates did not interfere with these devices (JW Cardiol Jul 25 2003). In this study, investigators assessed whether two widely used hand-held metal detectors cause changes in pacemaker and ICD function.

Participants were 388 patients (209 with pacemakers; 179 with ICDs) who presented for routine follow-up of device function at two European medical centers. Each patient was exposed to both of the activated hand-held metal detectors (field strengths, 3.8 µT and 6.3 µT). The detectors were swiped on the skin over the pacemaker or ICD and over…