EMI of Pacemaker

FYI. This article is technical but contains lists of household equipment that may interact with pm.
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/13783.pdf

8 Comments

Comprehensive research, but ...

by LondonAndy - 2015-11-30 05:11:01

... wow, thanks for the link, an interesting document, and very comprehensive research. I am not sure if those with older pacemakers need to be more cautious (mine is only 14 months old), but personally I think I have been closer than the recommended minimum distance to about 80% of the domestic items shown here and not experienced any issues at all. Had no idea electric toothbrushes could be an issue, and use mine 2 - 3 times a day!

I also walk through airport type security arches now, and not had any reaction from PM or triggered an alarm.

warnings

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-30 06:11:02

This study is a few years old, and it cites research as much as 20+ years old. While it has some good information, don't let it scare you. The only thing I take seriously in the list of things in the house is electronic bmi scales, we should stay off of those.

Andy, I've done most of the things on the "minimum distance" list and never had a problem.

TraceyE

by IAN MC - 2015-11-30 06:11:05

I've just seen your response which crossed in the post with mine .

I agree totally with your comments about not over-reacting, BUT as far as I can tell this was published in 2011 , not that long ago. I'm not sure that opinions on Electro Magnetic Interference have changed that much in the last 4 years This article really is full of good information !!

Ian

Thanks tfshao

by IAN MC - 2015-11-30 06:11:07

This an incredibly comprehensive review of electromagnetic Interference of pacemakers and comes from reputable medical centres.

I think the conclusion that " it is important for physicians to remain vigilant about the potential risks of EMI from external sources with regard to pacemaker function " is worth noting.

When the subject comes up on here, replies are either :-
- cavalier ; i.e worry about nothing or
- neurotic ; i.e worry about almost everything

I have reached the conclusion that a half-way view is probably sensible and that some people's PMs / hearts can be affected by external EMI sources whereas others aren't.

Ian

Not clear

by BillH - 2015-11-30 07:11:22

That report is not clear. If you look at other reports and PM manufactures info you will see that the distance is from the active portion of the device to the PM and leads.

For example unless you use the tooth brush on you chest it is more than far enough away.

And for things like the golf cart it is proximity to the motor which is probably over or next to the rear axle. Unless one where to take off the coverings and lay over the motor they would be far enough away.

Thanks Bill

by IAN MC - 2015-11-30 08:11:32

Now I know why my golf is crap; it is the golf cart interacting with my PM !

Cheers
Ian

Comprehensive report

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-30 10:11:52

While it is a comprehensive report, I agree with TraceyE. I've been closer than the minimums described with no problems.

Next question in my mind is how they tested the pacemaker models? Were they tested in the open? i.e with just the pacemaker and not in a "human" type enclosure?

I feel all of us with pacemakers and ICD's would like to have a reliable report to which we can refer. So far all I've gotten is the "Chicken Little" type of report that says we have to worry about everything. This report falls into that area.

Theknotguy ?

by IAN MC - 2015-11-30 11:11:32

You have either not read, or not understood, much of the report.

You always seem to take the view that " if it hasn't happened to Theknotguy in Ohio " then it can't happen to anyone else . Health/medicine/ therapies don't work like that ! Human beings have got different thresholds for reactions to most external intrusions.

There are several references which clarify whether the pacemakers were implanted or not. Some of the studies were done on humans with PMs/ ICDs , some were with animals, some were " in vitro"

Almost 10 pages cover the possible effects of hospital procedures on pacemaker patients. If you would happily undergo electrocautery , MRI scans, electro-convulsive therapy, TENS treatments, radiotherapy etc without a degree of caution then you are on your own !

New technologies which create Electro Magnetic Radiation in various levels of intensity are continually being introduced into hospitals and need to be continually assessed for implant patients. The report was stressing this point.

To dismiss this review as pushing the viewpoint " that we have to worry about everything " is ridiculous.

Ian

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