Pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are equipped with a magnetic sensor activated by external application of magnets to easily manage some functions of these devices. If activated inadvertently or outside a controlled environment and without the supervision of clinical personnel, this magnetic mode introduces a potential risk. In reality, the possibility of a static magnetic field affecting a PM or ICD is remote. However, the presence of the magnet in the iPhone 12 made the possibility of inadvertently activating the magnetic switch of PM and ICD less remote. This study investigates the effects of magnetic interference of the iPhone 12 on a large set of cardiac implantable devices representative of the current market and proposes adequate rules of conduct. We investigated the risk of the magnetic interference of the iPhone 12 and its MagSafe accessories on a comprehensive set of PMs and ICDs, including the subcutaneous ICD. For the first time, the magnetic interference phenomena were correlated with the magnetic field levels measured all around iPhone 12. We discovered that the magnets inside iPhone 12 trigger the magnetic mode in the 12 tested devices up to a distance of 1 cm. Considering the implications related to the activation of the magnetic switch, to date, it is advisable to follow Apple's indications relating to the safety distance of 15 cm, which is widely compatible with the results obtained from this paper and in line with the indications provided by the implantable cardiac device manufacturers.
Background Magnet wireless charging is being utilized increasingly in current generation smartphones. Apple's MagSafe is a proprietary wireless charging technology with an array of magnets that has the capacity to generate magnet fieldstrength >50 gauss (G). We hypothesize that there is clinically significant magnet interference caused by Apple's MagSafe technology on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). Methods and Results This study has an in vivo and an ex vivo component. The in vivo component consists of consecutive patients who presented to the electrophysiology laboratory with previously implanted CIEDs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was directly placed on the skin over the pocket of these patients and the effect was studied by device interrogation. For the ex vivo component of the study, CIEDs from major device companies were tested for magnetic interference caused by iPhone 12 Pro Max through unopened packages. We found that iPhone 12 Pro Max resulted in clinically identifiable magnet interference in 3/3 (100%) participants in vivo and in 8/11 (72.7%) devices ex vivo. Conclusions Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.
MagSafe ammunition is a type of unconventional prefragmented ammunition. A fatal tangential gunshot wound involving MagSafe ammunition is presented. The ammunition and wound characteristics are discussed.
This paper presents a novel UAV swarm-based phased array antenna system that leverages MagSafe- and LEGO-inspired radio frequency (RF) connectors to address key challenges in distributed phased arrays, including inter-element oscillator synchronization, localization, phase coherence, and positional accuracy. The proposed non-threaded, hands-free connectors enable precise inter-element spacing and establish a continuous, low-loss RF signal propagation path during mid-flight docking. A multi-stage optimization of the RF connector achieves a compact form factor, DC-to-RF bandwidth, and a measured insertion loss as low as 0.2\,dB. The system architecture offers scalability in gain and frequency by adjusting the array element density per UAV and UAV dimensions. Experimental results from both stationary and in-flight tests of two UAV-based phased array prototypes align closely with simulations, demonstrating robust beam steering to multiple directions. This work delivers a practical, scalable, and low-complexity platform that enables rapid deployment for next-generation airborne communications, radar, and remote sensing applications.
Wireless charging capable smartphones may interact with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). We hypothesized that magnetic shielding with a steel plate placed at the back of a smartphone may prevent interaction. Sixteen CIED (6 pacemakers and 10 implantable cardioverters/defibrillators) from all manufacturers were consecutively implanted in a subcutaneous and submuscular location in an isolated porcine thorax and connected to an interactive heart simulator. Two smartphones (Apple iPhone 14 and Google Pixel 8 Pro) were placed on top of the implantation site, and signs of magnet mode induction were recorded. The Apple iPhone induced magnet mode in seven of 16 (44%) subcutaneously placed CIED. Placed in a magnetic phone case, the Apple iPhone induced magnet mode in six of 16 (38%) devices. Magnet mode induction was successfully prevented in all cases by placing a 1 mm thin steel plate at the back of the smartphone. The Google Pixel did not induce magnet mode in any of the 16 devices, even with a magnetic case. Submuscular CIED placement resulted in no occurrence of magnet mode induction by any smartphone. All devices were still able to be interrogated and responded to a CIED magnet. The Apple iPhone induces magnet mode in close to half of subcutaneously placed CIED due to its MagSafe magnet. Neither a smartphone utilizing the Qi wireless charging standard nor magnetic smartphone cases confer the same risk. Submuscular CIED placement or magnetic shielding with a steel plate prevents magnet mode induction. The future Qi2.0 standard may exacerbate interaction risks.
Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) functions are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electromagnetic fields (EMF). Data on EMI risks from new-generation electronic appliances (EA) are limited. We performed a systematic literature review on the mechanisms of EMI, current evidence, and recently published trials evaluating the effect of EMF on CIEDs from electric vehicles (EV), smartphone, and smartwatch technology and summarize its safety data. Electronic databases, including PubMed and EMBASE, were searched for in vivo studies evaluating EMF strength and incidence between CIEDs and commercial EVs, new-generation smartphones, and new-generation smartwatches. A total of ten studies (three on EVs, five on smartphones, one on smartphones, one on smartphones and smartwatches) were included in our systematic review. There was no report of EMI incidence associated with EVs or smartwatches. Magnet-containing smartphones (iPhone 12) can cause EMI when placed directly over CIEDs - thereby triggering the magnet mode; otherwise, no report of EMI was observed with other positions or smartphone models. Current evidence suggests CIED recipients are safe from general interaction with EVs/HEVs, smartphones, and smartwatches. Strictly, results may only be applied to commercial brands or models tested in the published studies. There is limited data on EMI risk from EVs wireless charging and smartphones with MagSafe technology.
Percutaneous drains have provided a minimally invasive way to treat a wide range of disorders from abscess drainage to enteral feeding solutions to treating hydronephrosis. These drains suffer from a high rate of dislodgement of up to 30% resulting in emergency room visits, repeat hospitalizations, and catheter repositioning/replacement procedures, which incur significant morbidity and mortality. Using ex vivo and in vivo models, a force body diagram was utilized to determine the forces experienced by a drainage catheter during dislodgement events, and the individual components which contribute to drainage catheter securement were empirically collected. Prototypes of a skin level catheter securement and valved quick release system were then developed. The system was inspired by capstans used in boating for increasing friction of a line around a central spool and quick release mechanisms used in electronics such as the Apple MagSafe computer charger. The device was tested in a porcine suprapubic model, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the device to prevent drain dislodgement. The prototype demonstrated that the miniaturized versions of technologies used in boating and electronics industries were able to meet the needs of preventing dislodgement of patient drainage catheters.
Case reports indicate that magnets in smartphones could be a source of electromagnetic interference (EMI) for active implantable medical devices (AIMD), which could lead to device malfunction, compromising patient safety. Recognizing this challenge, we implemented a high-fidelity 3D magnetic field mapping (spatial resolution 1 mm) setup using a three-axis Hall probe and teslameter, controlled by a robot (COSI Measure). With this setup, we examined the stray magnetic field of an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, and MagSafe charger to identify sources of magnetic fields for the accurate risk assessment of potential interferences with AIMDs. Our measurements revealed that the stray fields of the annular array of magnets, the wide-angle camera, and the speaker of the smartphones exceeded the 1 mT limit defined by ISO 14117:2019. Our data-driven safety recommendation is that an iPhone 13 Pro should be kept at least 25 mm away from an AIMD to protect it from unwanted EMI interactions. Our study addresses safety concerns due to potential device-device interactions between smartphones and AIMDs and will help to define data-driven safety guidelines. We encourage vendors of electronic consumer products (ECP) to provide information on the magnetic fields of their products and advocate for the inclusion of smartphones in the risk assessment of EMI with AIMDs.
The latest iPhone 12 model has elicited concerns over its interaction with medical devices such as pacemakers due to its integrated MagSafe technology. Historically, programmable ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts have been demonstrated to readjust when exposed to magnetic objects. Yet, the presence of interactions between the iPhone 12 and shunts is unknown. In this in-vitro study, we examined the effect on the programming of three VP shunts, Medtronic Strata II, Miethke ProGAV 2.0 and Codman Hakim, when exposed to the iPhone 12 model. We found that all three valves did not re-program when the iPhone was held near or moved in a swiping or rotational motion above the valves. Therefore, the risk of re-programming of these three shunts when exposed to iPhone 12 appears to be low. However, patients should take care until further work is undertaken to examine the complex interplay between programmable VP shunts with magnetic devices.
The iPhone 12 series (Apple, Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) contains a circular array of magnets around a central charging coil (compatible with "Magsafe" technology). The device was recently reported to have magnetic interference with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). We sought to test the electromagnetic interference of the iPhone 12 in inhibiting life-saving therapies of ICDs in clinical settings. After obtaining written informed consent, an iPhone 12 was placed over the device generators of 17 patients in the ICD clinic. Device interrogation was performed immediately before and after placing the iPhone over the ICD generator to evaluate for any inhibition of device therapies. To emulate a real-world scenario, the iPhone 12 was not placed directly over the skin above the device generator but instead was positioned over the patients' clothes. None of the device interrogations revealed interruption of device therapies due to the iPhone. We concluded that, despite the iPhone having shown in vitro interference of ICD functioning, its effects are not clinically relevant in vivo. Larger studies need to be performed to confirm this finding and guide safety recommendations regarding the use of iPhones containing magnets by patients with implanted ICDs.
Newer iPhone models with MagSafe magnetic technology can cause electromagnetic interference with the Inspire upper airway stimulator device (a surgical implant for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea). Laryngoscope, 132:2513-2515, 2022.
The technological transition of MacBook charging solutions from MagSafe to USB-C, followed by a return to MagSafe 3, encapsulates the dynamic interplay between technological advancement, environmental considerations, and economic factors. This study delves into the broad implications of these charging technology shifts, particularly focusing on the environmental repercussions associated with electronic waste and the economic impacts felt by both manufacturers and consumers. By investigating the lifecycle of these technologies - from development and market introduction through to their eventual obsolescence - this paper underscores the importance of devising strategies that not only foster technological innovation but also prioritize environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the crucial factors influencing the evolution of charging technologies and their wider societal and environmental implications, advocating for a balanced approach that ensures technological progress does not compromise ecological health or economic stability.
Celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary, NASA released a stunning Hubble portrait of Messier 3, an ancient globular cluster with more than 500,000 stars。 The remarkable cluster is helping scientists unravel the Milky Way's past thanks to its rare stars and possible origins in a long ago cosmic merger
A distant galaxy nicknamed Shadow Blaster may have revealed a surprising source of cosmic neutrinos: extreme star formation instead of a supermassive black hole。 The discovery suggests that hidden, dust-filled starburst galaxies could account for a significant fraction of the Universe’s high-energy neutrinos
Scientists have uncovered a surprising connection between quantum gravity and an exotic quantum state of matter that could explain why the universe isn’t expanding wildly fast。 The study suggests that the very shape of space-time may protect the cosmological constant from disruptive quantum effects
Ancient asteroid impacts may have done more than reshape Earth's surface—they could have helped spark life itself。 New computer models show the collisions created enormous underground hydrothermal systems by cracking the planet's crust and allowing hot water to flow through it。 These long-lasting, life-friendly environments may have covered much of