EEG Safety in Patients with Pacemakers

Key Safety Considerations

EEG does not generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) that would affect pacemaker function, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1, 2, 3
There is no evidence of device interference between pacemakers and medical devices used for recording electrical activity, such as EEG, as reported in Gastroenterology 4
Manufacturer warnings about the presence of implanted electromedical devices as contraindications for certain procedures lack clinical support for passive diagnostic tests like EEG, as noted in Gastroenterology 4

Electrocautery requires consideration of bipolar systems, short intermittent bursts, and possible device reprogramming, as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1, 2, 3
Radiofrequency ablation requires maintaining distance from the pulse generator and leads, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 2, 3
MRI is generally contraindicated unless the device is MRI-conditional, as stated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1, 2
Radiation therapy requires the device to be outside the radiation field, as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1

Routine ECG monitoring should be performed as standard practice for any patient with a pacemaker undergoing medical procedures, allowing detection of any pacemaker or cardiac dysfunction, as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 2, 3
No device reprogramming is needed for EEG, unlike procedures with significant EMI risk, as stated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1, 2, 3