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The effects of six electronic apex locators on pacemaker function: an in vitro study
Author(s) -
Gomez G.,
DuranSindreu F.,
Jara Clemente F.,
Garofalo R. R.,
Garcia M.,
Bueno R.,
Roig M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/iej.12000
Subject(s) - apex (geometry) , emi , electrode , mathematics , materials science , electromagnetic interference , chemistry , computer science , telecommunications , geometry
Aim To assess the effects of six electronic apex locators ( EAL s) on pacemaker function in vitro . Methodology Six EAL s (Mini Apex Locator ® , Dentaport ZX ® , Novapex ® , Raypex5 ® , Root ZX mini ® , and Justy II ® ) were tested for electromagnetic interference ( EMI ) with one pacemaker (Saint Jude Medical). The pacemaker, with a single electrode, was immersed in a saline solution bath adjusted to 400–800 ohms to simulate the electrical resistance of the human body and to register the activity by the system. The pacemaker was tested with each of the EAL s to analyse the presence of EMI with the EAL switched on, the EAL switched off and during EAL operation. Each series of tests began with a 15‐second baseline recording (R0) and continued until all the recording conditions had been covered. The conditions were as follows: R1: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the tip of the electrode; R2: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the generator; R3: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the sensing arc; and R4: recording with the lead of the EAL 15 cm from the sensing arc. If any of the EAL s produced interference, its characteristics were categorized. Results When the lead of the EAL was <2 cm from the tip of the electrode, the majority of the EAL s tested produced only background noise. Only one (the Mini Apex Locator) resulted in EMI that was detected as false heart activity. When the EAL was <2 cm from the generator, just one EAL detected background noise (the Mini Apex Locator). When the EAL was <2 cm from the sensing arc or 15 cm from the sensing arc, the recordings were not affected by any of the EAL s. There were no significant differences amongst the EAL s analysed with respect to the production of EMI . Conclusions EMI occurred when the EAL s were placed close to the tip of the electrode and occasionally when close to the pacemaker; however, no EMI was detected when the EAL s were placed near to or 15 cm from the sensing arc in this laboratory experimental model.