Study shows iPhone 12’s MagSafe might cause trouble for heart-patients
A current medical research study shows that the MagSafe built into the iPhone 12 can apparently shut off implanted defibrillators. All it takes to do this is to bring the smartphone near it.
The study, published in the Heart Rhythm Journal, refers to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) from Medtronic. Such ICDs can be shut down by external magnets due to the technology utilized. This is precisely what can occur when an iPhone 12 is oriented properly.
In the research study, the researchers advise that makers and medical professionals inform their patients to such problems.
A picture from the Heart Rhythm Journal reveals the defibrillator being deactivated when the iPhone is in close distance./ © Heart Rhythm Journal
In the study, the researchers advise that medical professionals and manufacturers inform their clients to such problems. Not only iPhone 12 however also other wearables might have similar impacts on medical devices. Its possible that other producers could also progressively turn to magnets in the future to make charging simpler.
Apple points out interference with medical devices
Apple itself writes in an assistance document that “magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical gadgets, such as pacemakers and defibrillators”. At the same time, nevertheless, they mention that with iPhone 12, in spite of consisting of more magnets, they do not anticipate “to posture a greater danger of magnetic interference to medical gadgets than prior iPhone models”.
Users must contact their doctor or device producer with any questions for more specific information on potential limitations, according to Apple. This consists of, for example, keeping a particular range.
As Medical Xpress composes in its coverage of the study, producers ought to think about better protecting their devices against such disturbance in the future. Equipment from companies like Medtronic “continue to butt heads with customer gadgets– and they will continue to lose,” the report says.
The research study, published in the Heart Rhythm Journal, describes an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) from Medtronic. Such ICDs can be shut off by external magnets due to the technology utilized. This is exactly what can happen when an iPhone 12 is oriented properly.
In itself, MagSafe is not hazardous and can be an advantage in daily life, for example for cordless charging. Nevertheless, the circularly positioned magnets in the iPhone mean patients who carry Medtronics medical device in their bodies must be cautious when dealing with the new Apple smart device.
MagSafe in iPhone 12 disables implanted defibrillator
As the researchers write in the study, they tested their presumptions just by holding an iPhone 12 over a patients chest area– where the ICD is housed. When the iPhone is nearby, an image shows that the defibrillator is disabled.