The Effect of Electromagnetic Interference Produced by Smartphones Using 5G Network on Patients With Permanent Pacemakers (EMS5G-PPM Study)

Background: The safety of new-generation mobile phones using 5G networks in patients with modern-generation pacemakers has not been studied.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by a new-generation mobile phone with 5G networks when positioned at the pacemaker pocket or the contralateral ear and assess the incidence of EMI with telemetry interrogation in patients with permanent pacemakers.

Methods: We enrolled 489 patients with pacemakers from three different manufacturers. The pacemaker mode was programmed for overdrive pacing and sensing mode if an intrinsic rhythm was present. A smartphone (Samsung S21 + 5G) was placed directly over the pulse generator and right ear. The phone was tested under standby mode, 5G internet connection, and incoming and outgoing calls for each location. Real-time electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring and patient symptoms were recorded to determine the occurrence of EMI. The possibility of EMI with interrogation telemetry was also investigated.

Results: A total of 4824 tests were performed on 489 patients. Most pacemakers were dual-chamber (82%) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible systems (83%). EMI was not detected with both mobile phone positions. Interference with telemetry was demonstrated in 11.5% of patients. Almost all incidences of interference (98.2%) occurred during incoming calls. Single-chamber pacemakers, non-MRI-compatible systems, older pulse generators, older leads, and unipolar settings were significantly related to a higher incidence of interference with interrogation telemetry.

Conclusions: The risk of EMI between modern smartphones with 5G networks and pacemakers is low. Nevertheless, interference with the interrogation telemetry may still occur.