Patient awareness regarding interaction of smartphones and cardiac implantable electronic devices

Introduction: Many smartphones used in daily life support wireless charging through electromagnetic induction. Additionally, Apple smartphones utilize the "MagSafe" feature, which uses an in-case magnet. This feature, however, may increase the risk of interference with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Given that wireless charging is a relatively new feature, not all patients and physicians are aware of these potential interactions and associated risks, especially among those using Apple smartphones with the "MagSafe" feature.

Methods: We surveyed 120 patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) during routine checkups, asking them to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire. The survey collected information on the manufacturer and model of their smartphones, as well as the awareness of the inductive charging feature available for their devices. Additionally, we inquired about the patients´ knowledge on potential interactions between their smartphones and cardiac devices, including any associated risks. Finally, we assessed whether this information would influence their behavior using smartphones in the future.

Results: One-hundred and twenty participants (59% male) completed the questionnaire. 48 (40%) participants used an Apple smartphone, 43 (36%) were Samsung users and 9 (8%) owned a Xiaomi phone. 4 (3%) participants did not use a smartphone at all. Notably, most smartphone users - 69 (63%) - were unaware if their devices supported inductive charging. Furthermore, 64 (58%) participants were unaware of the risk of interaction with their cardiac devices. After being informed about potential risk of interaction in the questionnaire and the recommended safety precautions, 62 (56%) participants stated the intention to alter their usage behavior. Interestingly, in the group that was unaware of risks, only a minority (33%) was willing to alter their behavior.

Conclusion: Most patients in our survey were unaware of the potential interactions between their smartphones and cardiac devices. Apple users may face a greater risk due to the "MagSafe" feature, which may induce magnet mode in CIED. Soon, the introduction of the new "Qi2" standard for Android smartphones, which will utilize an in-case magnet as well, may put an even larger group of users at risk. Therefore, it is advisable to provide detailed education to all patients with CIED about these potential risks.