Electromagnetic interference of endodontic equipment with gastric pacemaker

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from endodontic equipment could potentially affect a gastric pacemaker. This article is an overview of the interaction risks, potential consequences, and precautions of the electromagnetic interference of those devices. It is all about interaction that certain electronic dental devices may interfere with the pacemaker’s function, but the level of risk depends on the type of equipment and how close it's used to the pacemaker. The gastric pacemaker operates using small electrical impulses to stimulate stomach muscles. If an endodontic device induces unintended electrical currents in the body, these could be picked up by the pacemaker’s leads, potentially disrupting its normal function. Electromagnetic interference between a gastric pacemaker (also called a gastric electrical stimulator, GES) and endodontic equipment is a potential concern, especially in dental procedures involving electronic endodontic devices. On the other hand, endodontic devices are used in root canal therapy include apex locators, electric motors for rotary files, electrosurgery units, and ultrasonic devices and they generate electrical or electromagnetic fields. In summary, the patients with a gastric pacemaker can be managed safely in the dental setting with input from the gastroenterology team and the manufacturing team. De- and re-activation is relatively simple and ensures that the risk to both device and patient is reduced as far as is reasonably practicable. Also, there is a need to keep electrical devices (especially ultrasonic and electrosurgical tools) at least 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) away from the implanted pacemaker site of use modern apex locators and rotary motors with minimal electromagnetic emission, to minimize electromagnetic interference between those two devices.