Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Electric and Magnetic Fields of 400 kV Power Lines

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy has increased in Western countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the function of ICDs using a human‐shaped phantom in electric and magnetic fields of 400 kV power lines. Methods The phantom was used in the following manner: isolated from the ground, earthed from a foot, or earthed from a hand. Results We performed 37 ICD tests using 10 different ICD devices. When the electric fields varied from 6.8 kV/m to 7.5 kV/m (humidity 70.5%) and the magnetic field was 2.0 μT, one of the ICDs tested recorded 258 ventricular beats/min when a simulated heart signal was applied to ICD electrodes. When the exposure was 5.1 kV/m, the same ICD had a similar disturbance; however, in a 0.9 kV/m field, it worked correctly. Conclusions Consequently, no effect on ICDs functioning was observed up to 0.9 kV/m, while anomalous behavior in some conditions was observed when levels exceeded 5.1 kV/m; ICD malfunctioning seems possible within 11.5 m from 400 kV power lines or in conditions inducing exposures exceeding 5 kV/m. Further development of this research field is needed.