body scanner vs pacemaker/defib

• by mendedheart
• 2010-01-07 11:01:15
• General Posting
• 4572 views
• 0 comments

:
Answer from my letter on the use of body scanner if you have implanted device
Thanks for writing.
I am told that we do not know that the pacemaker’s performance will be impacted by such a small level of ionizing radiation exposure from the scanner utilizing backscatter technology. However, you should consult with your physician who implanted the pacemaker for more information on any safety concerns you may have regarding your specific pacemaker and potential interference from either backscatter or millimeter wave technology body scanners. We can’t make a blanket statement as to how your pacemaker will react to the news scanners because each pacemaker (depending on brand, etc.) could respond differently to different conditions. The doctor who implanted the pacemaker should be able to point you to the correct information.I am sorry if this is not of as much help as you may have hoped, but I strongly encourage you to talk to the physician who implanted the pacemaker as they may have more direct connection to the manufacturer of the pacemaker and better access to the answer you seek.
Hope all is well,
Shawn Farley
Director of Public Affairs
American College of Radiology American Roentgen Ray Society
703.648.8936 Office
703.869.0292 Cell
sfarley@acr-arrs.org
www.acr.org
www.arrs.org
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[mailto:pweikart@socal.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 4:49 PM
To: Shawn Farley
Subject: body scanner

Hi Shawn
Thank you for taking my phone call today. Regarding the scanners used with people that depends on pacemakers/defibs (ICD). Especially if you are 100% depended on the device. Some people has pacer kick in if heart beat go below 60 beats but I pace all the time. I have a letter from Cardiologist plus card from Medtronic that I carry with me.
I get pat downs since I can not be wand, walk threw the current magnetic security device, store doorways for security,around welding & car engines.(the last two are not to important ) to me.
I wonder how this full body scanner machine would effect the pacer programmed to personal needs of the individual, For ICD would something make it go off & give your heart a shock like you would need for Cardiac Arrest.
If naked... The pacer device with lead wires I have two- some people have one would show up. I have four metal stents in left artery that would be shown. Would TSA take your word its a very sensitive medial device or they may think its something else.
I believe this problem should be addressed when the media explains about the scanner & how it works. The issue should be thought out before a pacer person shows up with no guide lines in place.
went threw a similar problem long ago. I had to place my handbag on conveyer belt to check contents but I was taken in a room for pat down at same time.To make a long story short the TSA said my purse would be safe. In the room we got locked in & had to wait until some one from outside the room unlocked the door. I was in the room so long & my purse sat on the belt way & stolen. I wrote letters, made phone calls until TSA improved taking care of personal items during pat downs. This occurred at the Pittsburgh, PA airport. I felt this problem of keeping your handbag should have been a solved matter in the beginning.
I believe for elderly people (or young) should know what this scanner should do before they stand before a TSA person that thinks they know best but have no knowledge of how high teck these devises(pacers & defibs) are now days. I got mine replaced in March & it took two factory reps, Electrophislogist three months to regulate the proper settings for me.
I appreciate speaking with you & the interest you took about this problem.
In my opinion the public needs to be informed how this affects their body. Having a medal knee cap or piece of steel in their body is a lot different then having a device making your heart beat.
The people in my local Pacemaker Club are discussing this subject its very important if the scanner can affect our senstive settings
Thank you - your personal service is much appreciated.
Patsy Weikart
CA