Safety of the Colonoscope Magnetic Imaging Device (ScopeGuide®) in Patients With Implantable Cardiac Devices

The Olympus ScopeGuide® is a useful tool in speeding up colonoscopy and making it less painful for patients. It is currently contraindicated by the manufacturer for use with patients with implantable electronic devices (such as cardiac pacemakers). There is no evidence to back up this contraindication and with the number of pacemakers being inserted increasing by around 30 000 annually in the UK, more patients will be denied the use of this device should they require a colonoscopy. Participants with Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators will attend their check appointment. Following this they will be asked to lie with a colonoscope connected to the ScopeGuide® placed onto their abdomen (with clothes on) for 2 minutes. During this time they will be monitored for any irregular cardiac activity which may indicate electromagnetic interference. After this a second device check will occur and the participant will be sent home. The hypothesis is that the ScopeGuide will not interfere with the cardiac devices.