Possibly, depending on the type of mobile phone being used. Today's pacemakers are engineered to withstand interference from analog cellular phones. However, in some cases, digital mobile phones may interfere with pacemakers. According to the American Heart Association, a group of mobile phone companies is studying the newer mobile phones with new frequency and their effect on pacemakers. We recommend mobile phones should not be used directly above the pacemaker. Patients are instructed to hold their mobile phone six inches away from the pacemaker and to hold the phone to the ear opposite of the pacemaker. Patients are instructed not to keep them in the "on" position in a pocket on top of the pacemaker. Other devices Most electrical and mechanical devices won't interfere with the pacemaker. In general, patients may use any appliance or go anywhere except into areas where strong electrical interference may exist. Patients should always tell any doctor or dentist that they have a pacemaker. Microwave ovens, computers, DVD players, small electric tools, and garage door openers are all safe to use. Patients are instructed to avoid large magnetic fields such as: leaning over a car engine while it is running, running motorcycle engines, chainsaws, power plants, etc. When traveling in the airport, patients are instructed to tell Security that they have a pacemaker and Security will hand search the patient instead of having the patient walk through the metal detector. The metal detector will not harm the pacemaker, but the patient may set off the alarm. Patients are instructed that they cannot have an MRI done because of the possible magnetic interference.