The magnets in the iPhone 12’s wireless charging system may disrupt heart implants, a new study finds. It confirms a first alert that was launched in January.
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A first study in January had shown that devices equipped with the MagSafe system could deactivate an automatic implantable defibrillator (DAI). The MagSafe is a system ofmagnets used for wireless charging of iPhone 12. It interferes with the proper functioning of implants cardiac as they incorporate a switch designed to be activated by a magnet. The test had only been carried out on one implant, but Apple immediately updated its terms of use.
A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association confirm the problem. Researchers tested ICDs and pacemakers from manufacturers Medtronic, Abbott and Boston Scientific. They placed l’iPhone 12 Pro Max on the skin of three patients with different implants, and also tested eleven other new models (not implanted).
A problem that affects the vast majority of heart implants tested
The iPhone effectively inhibited the operation of the ICD of two of the patients and activated the asynchronous mode. pacemaker of the third. The same effect was seen on eight of the other eleven devices, except for only three Boston Scientific devices (the DAI Dynagen ICD and Emblem MRI S-ICD, as well as the Accolade MRI pacemaker).
L’interference fortunately is temporary and the implant returns to normal function after removing the iPhone. Apple indicates that l’iPhone 12 does not present any more risk than previous models, but a previous study found no cases of iPhone 6 interference in 148 patients. It is therefore best to follow Apple’s recommendations and keep a safe distance of at least 15 centimeters from any medical device (30 centimeters in case of wireless charging), or simply avoid MagSafe products if you are fitted with a heart implant.
IPhone 12 may be a problem for people with pacemakers
Apple changed the terms of use for the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max on Saturday. The firm recognizes that the magnet placed inside its last smartphone may interfere with the function of heart implants.
Article published on 01/25/2021 by Fabrice Auclert
With their multiples sensors, connected objects do much more for health, but they can also be harmful … MacRumors found that Apple recently updated a support document to warn users not to keep iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories too close to pacemakers, defibrillators, and other implants. Why ? Simply because they can be sensitive to magnets and waves radio.
In its document, Apple informs that it is necessary to keep theiPhone 12 at a certain distance from the device: 15 centimeters when it is door, and about 30 cm when in wireless charging, by induction. Why these precautions? Quite simply because the iPhone 12 now incorporates MagSafe technology, present on MacBooks from 2016 to 2019.
A magnet for wireless charging
This magnetic connector allows current to flow, and Apple has integrated it into the iPhone 12 shell to provide wireless charging. Initially, the firm explained that the presence of this magnet would not increase the risks compared to older iPhone models, but cardiologists from Detroit had noticed the opposite and warned that the latest models could interfere with the implants. During a test, they had discovered that an iPhone 12 could stop a heart implant of the brand Medtronic.
It should be remembered that an implant contains a battery, capacitors, a detection circuit / stimulation as well as an intracardiac or extracardiac probe. All of these devices have a built-in switch that responds to a magnetic field applied from the outside. When an external magnet is brought close to a defibrillator, the therapy by electrical impulse for the tachycardia ventricular and ventricular fibrillation finds himself suspended.
The magnetic field suspends the device
According to the researchers, a magnetic field greater than 10 Gauss is strong enough to activate or deactivate this switch. However, the iPhone 12 has a field of 16 Gauss, sufficient to interfere with the operation of the defibrillator. During their tests, they found that the magnet of the iPhone, placed near a defibrillator, actuated the switch.
Alerted, Apple has therefore changed its assistance related to the iPhone, and advises to consult his doctor or the manufacturer of his implant before using his iPhone. In general, this is valid for any connected device that incorporates a magnet, and it therefore also concerns connected bracelets and watches. Thus, tests have shown that a connected bracelet can disturb a pacemaker at a distance of approximately 2 cm.
You must therefore be very careful, and the best is never to put your iPhone 12 near his heart, in a shirt pocket, or even a jacket pocket. The best, if in doubt, is to place it in a pants pocket. You should also avoid bringing it closer to your chest or chest when sending an SMS, playing, surfing Internet or that one consults his emails. As Apple advises on this page, it is best to contact the implant manufacturer to avoid any unpleasant surprises and limit the risks.
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