Electromagnetic interference could play a role in the long-term risks of having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), according to a recently published AccessMedicine report from McGraw-Hill. While the long-term risks, including lead- or device-related malfunction, infection, and inappropriate shock, are felt to be low when compared to the benefits of a life-saving therapy, they are not necessarily the same for every patient, the authors wrote. Factors which predispose patients to increased risk include patient characteristics, type of procedure, and operator characteristics.

Inappropriate shocks occur because of supraventricular arrhythmias with rapid ventricular rates, T wave oversensing, lead malfunction, or electromagnetic interference. Inappropriate shocks occur in 12-36% of patients, with children having a higher likelihood (up to 47% in some series). Although rare, it has been associated with death, according to the report.

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