Automobile “Smart Key” Systems and Implantable Pacemakers and Defibrillators.
Smart Key System Evaluation
Because the smart key systems are electronic devices that transmit electromagnetic fields, many automobile manufactures state in their product manuals and/or brochures the possibility that these systems may interfere with implanted pacemaker or defibrillators
Boston Scientific has performed testing and analysis to identify and understand potential interactions that may occur between smart key systems and Boston Scientific CRM implantable devices. Testing and analysis included representative combinations of Boston Scientific pacemakers and defibrillators and the smart key systems5 of various vehicle manufacturers. During this testing, Boston Scientific did not observe any type of EMI with respect to pacemaker or defibrillator function (i.e., sensing, pacing, shock therapy, and programming) as a result of smart key system operation. The test results were the same whether the vehicle engine was On or Off.
Boston Scientific evaluations suggests that a patient carrying one of these, or similar smart key system remote units in close proximity to their implanted pacemaker or defibrillator (e.g., in a shirt pocket) should not encounter interference with the operation of their implanted device. Evaluations also suggest that the signals transmitted by these or similar smart key system antennas within or on the vehicle should not interfere with the operation of Boston Scientific implantable pacemakers or defibrillators, including when a patient leans against or sits inside the vehicle.
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