Magnetic field interactions of smartwatches and portable electronic devices with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Magnetic interference of portable electronic devices (PEDs), such as state-of-the-art mobile phones, with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been reported. Purpose The aim of the study was to quantify the magnetic fields of latest generation Smartwatches and other PEDs and to evaluate and predict their risk of CIED interactions. Method High resolution magnetic field characterization of five smartwatches able to record an ECG Apple Watch, Series 6 and 7, Fitbit Sense, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, and Withings Move ECG Watch was performed using a magnetic field camera consisting of 1024 calibrated three axis Hall sensors. Maximal distance of 1 mT (10 Gauss) field strength and 1 mT volume was calculated. Ex vivo measurements of the minimal safety distance (MSD) at which no mode switch can be observed between six representative CIEDs and the PEDs was performed. Results were compared to other PEDs, such as digital pens, headsets and their cases, and a Smartphone. Result Maximal 1 mT distances ranged between 10 mm and 19 mm, and 1 mT volumes between 6 cm3 and 19 cm3. The smartwatches and PEDs with measured 1 mT distance 15 mm (B: Microsoft surface pen, C: Airpods Pro case) showed device interaction up to > 15 mm (Figure). Linear regression analysis showed an inverse linear relationship of the MSD with 1 mT distance (B coefficient: 0.459; 95% CI: 0.246-0.672; p<0.001) but not with the volume (p=0.842) Conclusions Standardized measurements of the 1 mT field distance and volume is feasible and has the potential to assess the risk of CIED interaction. Smartwatches seem to be safe in contrast to other PEDs such as the Microsoft surface pen or Airpods Pro case with high 1mT volumes and maximal distances with regards to CIED interaction.