Magnetic interference during biventricular pacemaker upgrade: A rare case of magnetized surgical instrument triggering automatic magnet response

Cardiac electronic implantable devices (CIEDs) utilize automatic magnetic response, a feature that allows for immediate and simple device reprogramming when exposed to a magnetic field. Placing a magnet over a CIED reprograms pacemakers to an asynchronous pacing mode and turns off tachycardia detections in implantable cardioverters-defibrillators (ICDs). This reprogramming is often strategically employed peri-operatively when electrocautery close to the leads is anticipated, as electric current delivered close to the device may inadvertently cause inappropriate pacemaker inhibition or inappropriate delivery of tachycardia therapies in ICDs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI).