[Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators - Is the Formal Contraindication still Justified?].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Capsule endoscopy is an established tool for investigation of the small intestine. Because of limited clinical experience in patients with cardiac devices the US Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturers recommend not to use capsule endoscopy in these patients.

METHODS

Studies investigating possible interference between small bowel capsule endoscopy and cardiac pacemakers and implanted cardioverters were analysed. For the review we considered studies published in English or German and indexed in PubMed (Medline) as well as relevant abstracts and technical data from the manufacturer.

RESULTS

In vitro and in vivo studies applying real capsules revealed no clinically relevant interference with pacemakers and implanted cardioverters. This evidence already has had an impact on clinical practice and recommendations of scientific societies. On the other hand wireless telemetry can interfere with CE video.

CONCLUSION

According to present evidence, small bowel capsule endoscopy can be used in patients with pacemakers and implanted cardioverters after obtaining informed consent concerning the formal existence of contraindication.