Abstract
To the Editor.— Although the effects of external radio-frequency radiation on implanted cardiac pacemakers have received much attention in the literature (Lichter I, Borrie J, Miller WM: Radio-frequency hazards with cardiac pacemakers. Brit Med J 1 :1513, 1965; Carleton RA, Sessions RW, Graettinger JS: Environmental influence on implantable cardiac pacemakers. JAMA 190 :938, 1964; Siddons H, Sowton E: Cardiac Pacemakers . Springfield, Ill, Charles C Thomas Publisher, 1967, pp 99-102), to our knowledge high-frequency stimuli from microwave ovens have not previously been reported to interfere with pacemaker function. We have recently observed such an interference. Report of a Case.— A 68-year-old white male physician developed complete A-V block during November 1969. The patient subsequently experienced dyspnea and pedal edema, but did not develop syncope. On Nov 24, 1969, a ventricular sensing pacemaker (Medtronic Corporation, Model #5841) was implanted through the left external jugular vein; the pulse generator was placed in a
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