Potential interference of small neodymium magnets with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Heart Rhythm ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Wolber ◽  
Salome Ryf ◽  
Christian Binggeli ◽  
Johannes Holzmeister ◽  
Corinna Brunckhorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ◽  
Cardiac Pacemakers ◽  
Neodymium Magnets ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillators

Considerations in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices at End of Life

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-363
Author(s):  
Melanie T. Gura
Keyword(s):  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronization ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ◽  
Resynchronization Therapy ◽  
Cardiac Pacemakers ◽  
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillators ◽  
Proactive Communication

Since the introduction of implantable cardiac pacemakers in 1958 and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in 1980, these devices have been proven to save and prolong lives. Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy are deemed life-sustaining therapies. Despite these life-saving technologies, all patients ultimately will reach the end of their lives from either their heart disease or development of a terminal illness. Clinicians may be faced with patient and family requests to withdraw these life-sustaining therapies. The purpose of this article is to educate clinicians about the legal and ethical principles that underlie withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies such as device deactivation and to highlight the importance of proactive communication with patients and families in these situations.

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