The number of reported significant patient injuries is very low, and we are working with both the manufacturers of medical devices and the manufacturers of anti-theft systems and metal detectors to resolve this issue. In the meantime, you may use the following information and recommendations to help your patients prevent or minimize any adverse effects. They typically consist of one or two columns placed opposite each other near entrances and exits. Several technologies are currently on the market, but generally an electromagnetic detection field is produced between the two columns and an alarm sounds if an article with a special tag is carried between the columns.
Metal detectors use various technologies involving magnetic fields to detect the presence of metal.
Similar events have also been reported in the literature. We believe that EAS systems or metal detectors can potentially interact with other electronic medical devices as well. We have received 18 reports of interference of pacemakers from both EAS systems and metal detectors. These reactions were typically transient. We have received 17 reports of overstimulation from implanted spinal-cord stimulators when persons with these devices passed through security systems.