FDA: Apple iPhone 12 MagSafe risk is very low to patient with pacemaker implants

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated MagSafe and iPhone 12 and other devices that the risk of these devices to patients with cardiac pacemakers is very low, but caution is recommended. Act.

After Apple revised the wording of its iPhone 12 and MagSafe supporting documents to recommend that these devices be used cautiously near pacemakers, the FDA issued its own guidelines. The agency has conducted its own tests and said that although it needs to be careful, the risk of problems is small.

“We believe that the risk to patients is very low, and this institution has not found any adverse events related to this issue.” Jeff Shuren, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Equipment and Radiological Health, said in a statement.

“However, over time, the number of consumer electronics products with strong magnets is expected to increase,” he continued. “Therefore, we recommend that people who use implantable medical devices talk to their healthcare providers to make sure they understand the potential risks and use the correct technology safely.”

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Potential problems with magnets in devices like Apple were first raised in the Journal of the Heart Rhythm Association in January 2021. Apple once advised users to consult a doctor if they were not sure whether magnets would interfere, but it subsequently updated this recommendation and gave more detailed guidance.

Specifically, it is recommended that iPhone 12 users who have implanted pacemakers or use similar medical devices keep their phones 6 to 12 inches away from such devices. A separate test by the FDA also yielded similar recommendations.

“The following points must be emphasized: In order to avoid interference between mobile phones and smartwatches and your cardiac equipment, please keep them at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from implanted medical devices,” the FDA stated in an accompanying copy Said in the consultation. “In addition, don’t bring mobile phones, smartwatches, and other consumer electronic products close to your implantable medical devices.”

Although the FDA focuses on mobile phones and smartwatches, its views on increasing the use of magnets are not limited to these products. In addition to using magnets in various models of iPad, Apple is also studying to expand the use of magnets in protective cases and wearable Apple Watch straps.

(Via)