Electronic Article Surveillance Systems and Interactions With Implantable Cardiac Devices: Risk of Adverse Interactions in Public and Commercial Spaces

Abstract

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are widely implemented in public spaces and can adversely affect the performance of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The interaction between implantable devices and EAS systems is a serious problem that can be minimized through appropriate facility design. Careful facility design and employee education along with patient vigilance remain imperative in avoiding potentially life-threatening EAS system-implantable device interactions. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are widely implemented in public spaces and can adversely affect the performance of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The interaction between implantable devices and EAS systems is a serious problem that can be minimized through appropriate facility design. Careful facility design and employee education along with patient vigilance remain imperative in avoiding potentially life-threatening EAS system-implantable device interactions. Safety While Swimming in a Sea of EnergyMayo Clinic ProceedingsVol. 82Issue 3PreviewHumans have always existed in an environment full of energy transmissions. For most of our history, this energy has been amorphous, coming from sources such as cosmic radiation and lightning. Since the introduction of electrical devices (eg, telegraph, light bulb, radio), humans have been exposed to increasing amounts of electromagnetic energy. Today, the variety of devices and their respective energy transmissions seem endless, yet modern life would not exist without these products. However, since the beginning of the electronic age, there have been concerns about the health consequences of exposure to electromagnetic energy. Full-Text PDF