Background and study aims: Use of the colonoscope magnetic imaging device (ScopeGuide, Olympus Medical Systems,
Tokyo, Japan) is currently contraindicated by the manufacturer for patients with implantable
cardiac devices, a group of patients that is increasing annually along with the number
of colonoscopies performed in the era of colorectal cancer screening. This is the
first study to examine the safety of ScopeGuide in patients with permanent pacemakers,
implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Patients and methods: Nonimplanted cardiac devices were exposed to the electromagnetic field of ScopeGuide
ex vivo and assessed for evidence of interference or change in device settings. Following
this, consecutive patients attending device check clinics were prospectively recruited
and exposed to the ScopeGuide electromagnetic field. After an initial device check,
patients underwent continuous external cardiac monitoring and device interrogation
while a colonoscope was placed on the abdomen over clothing and connected to ScopeGuide
to simulate colonoscopy. Patients were monitored for 2 minutes to assess for any interference.
ScopeGuide was then disconnected and devices were checked for any change in settings.
Results: A total of 230 patients were invited to participate and 100 were recruited to the
study. There was no evidence of interference on device leads or change in programming
following exposure to the electromagnetic field generated by ScopeGuide.
Conclusion: ScopeGuide does not appear to cause interference or change in settings and is therefore
likely to be safe for use in patients with implantable cardiac devices.
