Endoscopy 2009; 41(5): 457-461
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214610
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Do endoscopy capsules interfere with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators?

D.  Bandorski1 , W.  Irnich2 , M.  Brück1 , W.  Kramer1 , R.  Jakobs3
  • 1Klinikum Wetzlar, Medizinische Klinik 1, Wetzlar, Germany
  • 2Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Universitätsklinikum, Giessen, Germany
  • 3Klinikum Ludwigshafen, Medizinische Klinik C, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

submitted 13 May 2008

accepted after revision 3 March 2009

Publikationsdatum:
07. April 2009 (online)

Background and study aims: Capsule endoscopy is already an established diagnostic tool, and the newly introduced capsule PillCam COLON is now entering clinical studies. Because of the very limited clinical experience in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), it is generally recommended that capsule endoscopy should not be used in these patients. Therefore, we investigated, in vitro, the possible interference between three different endoscopy capsules (Given Imaging and Olympus) and ICDs.

Materials and methods: A total of 45 ICD devices were separately placed in a tank filled with a 0.9 % saline solution. With the help of pin jacks, the pacing pulses of ICDs were recorded and inhibiting signals could be coupled in. The capsules were placed in different positions near to the lead and the ICD device, and finally placed on the case of the device for 1 minute each. The function of each device was observed continuously.

Results: Even when the capsules were in closest proximity to the ICDs, no interference was observed.

Conclusion: The clinical use of the three tested capsule devices is safe in patients with ICDs.

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D. Bandorski, MD

Klinikum Wetzlar
Medizinische Klinik 1

Forsthausstr.1
35578 Wetzlar
Germany

Fax: +49-6441-792328

eMail: dirk.bandorski@lahn-dill-kliniken.de