Resistance of the subcutaneous internal cardioverter defibrillator to 60 hz electric fields

The technology behind implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is constantly evolving. Although improved shielding and other manufacturing features have rendered them more immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), there remains safety concerns in high-risk exposure situations. Based on the International Standards Organization standard ISO 14117 and the calculations that can be made based on annex F of European norm EN 50-527-2-1 ICDs on the market are presumed immune at least up to ICNIRP’s general public exposure limit (4.2 kV/m for 60 Hz electric fields).. The goal of this study was to expose the subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) to electric fields up to 20kV/m, so to determine the electric field threshold for interference. Such high electric field levels can be encountered in industrial settings (power utility substations) and in the right of way of high voltage (735 kV) power lines (theoretically up to about 8,5 kV/m at midspan).