Shock whilst gardening--implantable defibrillators & lawn mowers

G Von Olshausen; C Lennerz; C Grebmer; H Pavaci; C Kolb

doi:10.1093/qjmed/hct180

Shock whilst gardening--implantable defibrillators & lawn mowers

QJM. 2014 Feb;107(2):147-9. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hct180. Epub 2013 Sep 9.

Authors

G Von Olshausen¹, C Lennerz, C Grebmer, H Pavaci, C Kolb

Affiliation

¹ 1. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany. gesa.von-olshausen@lrz.tum.de.

PMID: 24023069
DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hct180

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can cause inappropriate shock delivery or temporary inhibition of ICD functions. We present a case of electromagnetic interference between a lawn mower and an ICD resulting in an inappropriate discharge of the device due to erroneous detection of ventricular fibrillation.

Publication types

Case Reports
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
Electric Injuries / etiology*
Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects
Equipment Failure
Gardening*
Humans
Male