Theraputic Ultrsound

Does anyone have any information on the corelation between using ntheraputic ultrasound in our occupation as Physical Therapists for over 30 years, and the need for having a pacemaker implANTED IN MY WIFE AND MYSELF WITHIN ONE YEAR of eachother. We were both physical therapists working together!

6 Comments

oh my

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-18 08:06:48

The couple that gets pm's together, how romantic you are!

You'd have to check with the mfr of both the u/s equipment and the pm to be sure but my guess is it's ok. I had pt on my foot when I mangled it a while back and they checked with my doctor and St Judes before using u/s on me, both said it was fine as long as it wasn't done directly over my device.

Newer pm's are well shielded and do not have the problems with interference that they used to. And most things that interfere with it only do so if they're less than 5 or 6" from the pm, and the interference is temporary. If you feel any ill effects, they go away as soon as you step away from the source of the problem.

Ultrasound and PM

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-20 11:06:09

If I understand you right you use the ultrasound on patients and wonder if it could have lead to needing pacemakers.

I don't know any reason that the ultra sound would affect your hearts conduction system. There are so many other things you and your wife might have in common. One that jumped out at me is do you have the same doctor. Some are quicker to implant one than others. More likely it is just one of those coincidences

frank.

duh

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-21 09:06:33

well, didn't that just go right over my head! We've had too many newbies lately worried about going back to work. :o)

another thought

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-22 07:06:30

Were you both sick? Infections and/or reactions to medications can cause av blocks, a common reason to need a pm.

liteppie@yahoo.com

by liteppie - 2009-06-22 09:06:52

We were neither sick or injured, we were both active and in good shape all our lives. Also have not been taking any common medications. The only constant was our career, both private practicing physical therapist since 1966. Also no cardiac history on ether side of family.

odd

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-22 09:06:58

That's really weird, the odds of coincidence like that are infinitesimal but I've never heard of a connection. Do you both have the same underlying problem that brought on the need for the pm? I have mine for congenital av block. It's not genetic, just a fluke. It more commonly develops later in life, also not genetic. Being active and in shape will keep your arteries clear and your heart strong but has little impact on developing electrical problems.

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