artificial nails & pm implantation?

I was just told by a family member that I could not have artificial nails on during surgery? My doctor didn't say anything about it in all the pre surgery paperwork I received.

5 Comments

hmmm....

by Pookie - 2010-02-17 03:02:12

You know that thing that they put on your finger to measure your oxygen saturation....perhaps that is why.

I know the paramedics told me once that my readings were low because I had nailpolish on.

Call your doctor and ask him!!!

Pookie

Dr. gave me the OK

by JessiWay - 2010-02-17 04:02:57

My EP said it is OK...as long as the index fingernails are shorter so they can check oxygen saturation.

artifical nails

by dottodot - 2010-02-17 10:02:00

I believe the issue is that most persons have fungus under their artifical nails after they're on a little while. That's why they are restricted in health care workers and there are a lot of studies out there that support that concern. You may want to consider the risk. Generally they do not affect reading oxygen saturation unless it's bright red.

Can use an earlobe

by lenora - 2010-02-18 02:02:31

It's difficult to get a correct O2 sat through nail polish and artificial nails, however the probe can be placed on an earlobe.

i know why!!

by Hot Heart - 2010-02-18 03:02:21

Nail varnish has to be taken off as well before surgery because the anaesthetist uses your nails as an indicator to blood oxygen levels, if your nails go blue then they know you are in trouble

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.