Pacemaker and Patient Response to the “Point of Sale” Terminal as an Actual and Simulated Electromagnetic Interference Source

Abstract

In response to two instances of pacemaker patient complaints of symptomatic episodes in the presence of a “point‐of‐sale” terminal, comprehensive tests were performed for possible electromagnetic interference effects. Power line frequency and radar transmitter tests in the laboratory indicated that no significant problems exist for recently manufactured pacemakers in the everyday environment. Laboratory and clinical tests with 271 patients and 54 pacer models demonstrated no hazard from “point‐of‐sale” terminals. Patients showed a generally benign attitude toward potential interference and very low occurrence of random intermittent pacer malfunction or effects from myopotentials.