Heart Stoppers
Back in January (see our notes 1/14/21 and 1/25/21) we noted that Apple (AAPL) had added a ‘caution’ to its devices that instituted its MagSafe magnetic charging system, including the iPhone 12 family. At issue were the increased number and strength of the ring of magnets that were responsible for holding the device in the correct location during charging, with the warning that anyone using an implanted devices, such as a defibrillator or pacemaker should keep any device or accessory using MagSafe more than 6 inches from the implanted item.
This means not keeping an iPhone 12 in a breast pocket or putting the phone next to you when you are sleeping. The FDA agreed with Apple’s warning, and at the time of the study was unaware of any adverse reactions between the iPhone 12 and any implantable devices. A recent study by the American Heart Association however, disagrees with that conclusion. The AHA study found that the iPhone Pro Max resulted in ‘identifiable magnetic interference in 3 out of 3 tests where the phone was place directly over an implanted device and 8 out of 11 (72.7%) of ex-vivo tests, meaning those where the phone was placed next to an implantable device that was not implanted. The conclusion was, “As a result of these tests, the researchers concluded that Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.”
As noted, the tests were done by placing the phone directly over the device on the patient’s skin, although it was found that with some models the effect was seen at 1.5cm (0.6”), so in more practical terms, the risk would be more from the possibility of an accidental contact, however the AHA did go on to compare the results for the iPhone 12, which Apple insists does not carry any greater risk than older generation iPhones (non-MagSafe), against a study done that found no cases of magnetic issues in the 148 patients that were tested.
All in, even if the implants are affected by the iPhone 12, the interference will not cause a heart attack or any other symptoms that might be dangerous to the patient. During the interference, the implant would however be in backup mode and would not be able to provide the patient with the necessary assistance during tachycardia or other arrhythmias, which could have serious consequences. The bottom line is if you have an implanted device, keep your iPhone (or other similarly charging device) in your pants pocket or handbag.
This means not keeping an iPhone 12 in a breast pocket or putting the phone next to you when you are sleeping. The FDA agreed with Apple’s warning, and at the time of the study was unaware of any adverse reactions between the iPhone 12 and any implantable devices. A recent study by the American Heart Association however, disagrees with that conclusion. The AHA study found that the iPhone Pro Max resulted in ‘identifiable magnetic interference in 3 out of 3 tests where the phone was place directly over an implanted device and 8 out of 11 (72.7%) of ex-vivo tests, meaning those where the phone was placed next to an implantable device that was not implanted. The conclusion was, “As a result of these tests, the researchers concluded that Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.”
As noted, the tests were done by placing the phone directly over the device on the patient’s skin, although it was found that with some models the effect was seen at 1.5cm (0.6”), so in more practical terms, the risk would be more from the possibility of an accidental contact, however the AHA did go on to compare the results for the iPhone 12, which Apple insists does not carry any greater risk than older generation iPhones (non-MagSafe), against a study done that found no cases of magnetic issues in the 148 patients that were tested.
All in, even if the implants are affected by the iPhone 12, the interference will not cause a heart attack or any other symptoms that might be dangerous to the patient. During the interference, the implant would however be in backup mode and would not be able to provide the patient with the necessary assistance during tachycardia or other arrhythmias, which could have serious consequences. The bottom line is if you have an implanted device, keep your iPhone (or other similarly charging device) in your pants pocket or handbag.
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