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Influence of electronic apex locators and a gutta‐percha heating device on implanted cardiac devices: an in vivo study
Author(s) -
Moraes A. P.,
Silva E. J.,
Lamas C. C.,
Portugal P. H.,
Neves A. A.
Publication year - 2016
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.12487
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , noise (video) , cardiology , dentistry , computer science , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
Aim To evaluate the potential for electromagnetic interference ( EMI ) of electronic apex locators ( EAL s) and a gutta‐percha heating device ( HD ) in patients with implantable cardiac pacemakers ( ICP s) or cardioverter‐defibrillators ( ICD s). Methodology Two types of EAL s (Romiapex A‐15 and Novapex) and a HD (Touch'n Heat) were tested in patients followed in an outpatient clinic for cardiac arrhythmias. The heart rhythm was monitored on a computer screen during all experimental phases. After baseline data collection, the patient held each appliance (turned on) for 30 s, simulating their clinical use. If background noise was detected on the cardiac monitor, the sensitivity of the ICP / ICD was lowered by the cardiologist to evaluate the intensity of the detected EMI . Results Twelve patients were evaluated (5 female and 7 male), and in nine instances, background noise in their cardiac devices related to the use of the endodontic devices was detected (6 patients). After lowering the sensitivity of the cardiac implants, three patients had more severe EMI in six instances, including pauses in ICP function. The presence of a symptomatic or asymptomatic pause was related to the patient's underlying heart rhythm. The HD device produced background noise more often compared to EAL s. These were associated with more severe types of EMI . Conclusion The EAL s and gutta‐percha HD were capable of causing background noise detection or pauses in cardiac implants in vivo . The use of electronic dental devices nearby patients with cardiac implants should be carefully considered in clinical practice.