EMI protection

I do not have a pacemaker or CRT now, but will discuss it with my Heart Rythum Dr on 12/21/15. I have hade 6 Cardioversions since 2009 (2 this last year alone) and the other topic for tomorrow will be a third Ablation since 2013/4. The last was in June and beat me up pretty well. I also believe General Anestesia damages the mental capabilities.
Reading through " Dr. Google's " material, one item that concerns me is risk of using power tools to include battery powered drills. I enjoy working on the house and woodworking which uses battery and AC motors.

Is there an issue here, and if so is there a EMI type of apparel I can wear or system that minimizes the risk?

Thanks

2 Comments

Power tools

by Good Dog - 2015-12-20 09:12:52

You don't have to worry about any power tools having an effect on a PM or CRT.
I have had a PM for 30 years and have used chain saws, welders and all sorts of power tools. I also worked closely around very high voltage 11,000 volt up to 3000 h.p. synchronous motors as well as low voltage induction motors over the years without any difficulties. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone, but pacemakers and CRT's are built really rugged these days.
So not to worry!
Sincerely,

David

GoodDog is correct

by Theknotguy - 2015-12-21 02:12:28

I've used a chain saw and all sorts of power tools. I volunteer at a charity wood shop and use all the tools in the shop. No problems.

At the wood shop we make functional wood furniture for people trying to get back into homes.

One of the things we use are the Kreg Pocket Screws. We've made a table for drilling the pocket screw holes in standard cuts. I was drilling the holes using a DeWalt drill. After drilling holes for about 30 pieces I got tired and started using my shoulder to push the drill. After doing about a hundred pieces - at three holes each - I discovered I was pushing on the drill using the same shoulder as my PM implant. That means I was pushing directly on the running drill with my PM. No problems.

I have a Medtronic PM. Medtronics says your PM shouldn't be within six inches of a running electrical motor. Needless to say I was closer than that.

I don't suggest you do what I did. But I am able to run every tool in the wood shop. No problems.

You don't say in your bio or your post if you're on any medications. If you are on any medications to slow your heart, I'd suggest you have a SawStop on your table saw, limit your use of the table saw, have someone there while cutting on the table saw, or have someone else do the cutting on the table saw. The drugs that slow your heart also slow your reaction time and, you might leave fingers on the table. Not a good idea.

I hope everything else goes well with your recovery.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.