Electromagnetic Compatibility Guide

Implantable Cardiac Devices

Answers to Questions about
Additional Device Information therapies to treat patient with heart rhythm disorders or
An implantable pacemaker system relieves symptoms who are at significant risk of developing heart rhythm
www.medtronic.com of heart rhythm disturbances. They do this by restoring disorders. A CRT ICD is placed inside your body and works
normal heart rates. A normal heart rate provides your automatically.
World Headquarters body with the proper amount of blood circulation. The Risks associated with these implantable device systems
Medtronic, Inc. pacemaker system is intended for patients who need include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site
710 Medtronic Parkway rate-adaptive pacing or chronic pacing or for patients who and/or sensitivity to the device material, failure to deliver
Minneapolis, MN 55432-5604 may benefit from synchronizing the pumping of the heart therapy when it is needed, or receiving extra therapy
USA chambers. when it is not needed. After receiving an implantable
Tel: (763) 514-4000 An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system device system, you will have limitations with magnetic
delivers therapies to treat patients with heart rhythm and electromagnetic radiation, electric or gas-powered
Fax: (763) 514-4879
disorders or who are at significant risk of developing heart appliances and tools with which you are allowed to be in
rhythm disorders. An ICD is placed inside your body and contact.
Patient Services
Medtronic, Inc. works automatically. Treatment with these implantable device systems is
An implantable CRT pacemaker system relieves symptoms prescribed by your physician. This treatment or service is
8200 Coral Sea St. NE MVS14 not for everyone. Please talk to your doctor to see if it is
Mounds View, MN 55112 of heart rhythm disturbances. They do this by restoring
normal heart rates. A normal heart rate provides your right for you. Your physician should discuss all potential
body with the proper amount of blood circulation. The benefits and risks with you. Although many patients
Patient toll-free line: benefit from the use of this treatment or service, results
pacemaker system is intended for patients who need
1 (800) 551-5544 rate-adaptive pacing or chronic pacing or for patients who may vary.
Fax: (763) 367-5809 may benefit from synchronizing the pumping of the heart For further information, please call the Medtronic toll-free
8:00 am to 5:00 pm CT Mon.-Fri. chambers. number at 1 (800) 551-5544 (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday
A cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantable Friday, Central time) or see the Medtronic website at
cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system delivers therapies www.medtronic.com.
to treat patients who may benefit from synchronizing the UC201103391a EN Medtronic, Inc. 2012. Minneapolis, MN. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. 07/2012
pumping of the heart chambers. A CRT ICD also delivers
 Louis
Helping you lead Device Recipient
a fuller life.
This booklet is designed to provide answers
to questions you may have related to living
with an implanted heart device.

If you have specific questions regarding dental

or medical procedures, please ask your doctor
or nurse. You can also call Medtronic Patient
Services toll-free at 1 (800) 551-5544, x41835
(8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday Friday, Central time)
with non-medical questions.

What you should know about electromagnetic compatibility

(EMC)
Medtronic heart devices are built with protective shields, so the majority of items that you use or come into contact with will not affect
the normal operation of your implanted heart device. However, items that generate or use electricity, or transmit wireless signals such
as a portable generator, power drill, or cell phone have electromagnetic fields around them. Some of these fields may affect the
normal operation of your heart device. Electromagnetic compatibility is the relationship between these electromagnetic fields and
your heart device.

1
How items may affect your What to do if you think
heart device an item is affecting
If the electromagnetic fields surrounding an item are too close to your your heart device
implanted heart device and your heart device happens to detect these fields
If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, a change in heart
this may temporarily affect the normal function of your heart device. This same
rate, or receive a shock while using an item, simply
effect may also occur if the item being touched is not in good working order or
release whatever youre touching or move away
properly wired, causing electrical current to flow into your body.
from it. Any temporary effect is unlikely to cause
In either situation, this may temporarily cause your heart device to deliver reprogramming or damage to your heart device.
a therapy that is not needed or withhold a therapy that is needed. For Your heart device is designed to return to normal
this reason, we recommend you only use items that are in good working operation. Of course, if your symptoms continue
condition. In addition, we recommend you maintain a minimum distance or do not improve, contact your doctor as soon as
between certain items and your implanted heart device. This will help to possible.
avoid any temporary effect on your heart device.

Answers to the most commonly asked questions

Weve organized this guide to make it helpful and convenient for you to find the answers youre looking for. Its divided into
four main categories:
1. Household and Hobby Items
2. Communications and Office Equipment
3. Tools and Industrial Equipment
4. Medical and Dental Procedures
Each category is broken into sections, ranging from no known risk to special considerations, which provides you with the
recommended minimum distance for the items or products listed. If the item youre looking for isnt on the list or you have
a specific question about an item, contact Medtronic Patient Services at 1 (800) 551-5544, ext. 41835.

2
 Household and Hobby Items
Most household and hobby items are unlikely to affect your heart device when the items are in good working condition,
used as intended, and the recommended distances are maintained. For items that transmit power through an antenna, it
is recommended that you follow the noted distances between the antenna and your implanted heart device.

No Known Risk Minimal Risk Special Considerations

If the item is used as intended and in Maintain at least a 6-inch distance Maintain at least the recommended
good working condition, there is no between the item and your heart device: distance between the item and your
known risk: heart device:

Battery Charger for household batteries Electric Grocery Cart/Golf Cart from 12-Inch Distance
Casino Slot Machine motor
Electric Kitchen Appliances hand-held Car/Motorcycle from components
CD/DVD/VHS Player or Recorder
(electric mixer or knife) of ignition system
Dishwasher
Electric Shaver corded Electric Fence
Electric Blanket
Electric Toothbrush Charging Base

Electric Guitar Ultrasonic Pest Controller Electric Pet Containment Fence from
Garage Door Opener Hair Dryer hand-held buried wire and indoor antenna
Heating Pad Magnetic Therapy Products Transformer Box (green box in yard)
Hot Tub Radio-Controlled Items from antenna
Ionized Air Filter Sewing Machine/Serger from motor 2-Foot Distance
Iron Small Magnet (household magnet)
Kitchen Appliances small and large Speakers Beach Comber Metal Detector
(blender, can opener, refrigerator, stove, Treadmill from motor from search head
toaster) Vacuum Cleaner from motor Induction Cooktop Stove
Massage Chair/Pad Hand-held Back Massager
Medical Alert Necklace Not Recommended
Microwave Oven
Remote Control (CD, DVD Player, TV, VHS) Ab Stimulator
Salon Hair Dryer Electronic Body Fat Scale
Shaver battery powered Magnetic Mattress Pad/Pillow
Tanning Bed
TV
Electronic Weight Scale
Low Voltage Residential Power Lines
3

Household and Hobby Items

 Tools and Industrial Equipment
It is important that your power tools and/or equipment be in good working order and properly wired
(three-prong plug, if applicable) and used as intended by the manufacturer of the product. It is recommended that
corded electrical items be plugged into a safety outlet device called a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI or GFI).

No Known Risk Minimal Risk Special Considerations

If the item is used as intended and in Maintain at least a 6-inch distance Maintain at least the recommended
good working condition, there is no between the item and your heart device: distance between the item and your
known risk: heart device:
Circular Saw skill saw
Drills battery and electric powered 12-Inch Distance
Calipers battery powered
Flashlight battery powered Grinder (hand-held) Car Battery Charger 100 amps or less
Laser Level Hedge Trimmer electric powered Gasoline Ignition Systems from
Soldering Iron Lawn Mower electric powered components of ignition system
Stud Finder Leaf Blower electric powered

Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) Gasoline Powered Tools from components

of ignition system (lawn mower,
Router
snowblower, weed whacker, chainsaw)
Sander Generators 20 kW or less
Screwdriver battery powered
Soldering Gun 2-Foot Distance
Weed Whacker electric powered
B ench Mounted/Free Standing Tools
Electric Chainsaw
for motors 400 horsepower or less
(air compressor, drill presses, grinder,
pressure washer, table saw)
Jumper Cables
Welding Equipment
(with currents under 130 amps, see page 9)

Not Recommended
Welding Equipment
(with currents over 130 amps, see page 9)

Tools and Industrial Equipment

 Communications and Office Equipment
Guidelines for safe operation of communications and office equipment include such factors as transmitting power,
frequency, and antenna type. For items that transmit wireless signals through an antenna, it is recommended that
you follow the noted distances between the antenna and your implanted heart device.

No Known Risk Minimal Risk Special Considerations

If the item is used as intended and in Maintain at least a 6-inch distance Maintain at least the recommended
good working condition, there is no between the item and your heart device: distance between the item and your
known risk: heart device:
Copy Machine Amateur Radio, Ham Radio, Marine Radio,
Walkie Talkie 3 watts or less from
12-Inch Distance
Desktop/Laptop Computer
Fax Machine antenna Amateur Radio, Ham Radio, Marine Radio,
Global Positioning System (GPS) Cellular Phone 3 watts or less from Walkie Talkie between 3-15 watts from
Pager receiver only antenna antenna

Printer Home Wireless Electronics from antenna Citizens Band (CB) Radio 5 watts
Scanner Cordless Headphone Sending Unit or less from antenna
Radio AM/FM (i.e., TV Ears)
Digital Music player (iPod) Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS)
OnStar Technology from antenna
non-transmitting Security Badge Wall Scanner
Infrared Scanner Wireless Communication devices 2-Foot Distance
(computers, headsets, modems, routers, Amateur Radio, Ham Radio, Marine Radio,
smartphones, Bluetooth) Walkie Talkie between 15-30 watts
Electronic Reader/Reading devices from antenna
Electronic Tablets (i.e., iPad)
Wireless Controllers (Video Game Consoles)
Digital Music Player (iPod) transmitting
Remote Keyless Entry
Remote Car Starter
Smart Meter (utility companies)

Communications and
Office Equipment
 Medical and Dental Procedures
Many medical procedures will not affect your heart device; however, certain medical procedures can result in serious injury, damage to
your heart device, or device malfunction. Before undergoing any medical procedure, it is recommended that you advise your treating
doctor or dentist that you have an implanted heart device and consult with your heart doctor to evaluate any possible associated risk.

Acceptable Acceptable with Precautions Not Recommended

If the item is used as intended and in Inform your treating physician that you Diathermy (high frequency, short wave,
good working condition, there is no have a heart device implanted and/or and microwave)
known risk: consult with your heart doctor/clinic. MRI (if device not MR-Conditional. Present
your heart device identification card to
Acupuncture no electrical stimulus Medical procedures that require some your physician to determine if your heart
Bone Density Test (x-ray) precautions: device is MR-Conditional, which may allow
Bone Density Ultrasound on heel or hand Ablation (specifically, microwave ablation and access to an MRI scan see page 7)
Capsule Endoscopy radiofrequency ablation)
Acupuncture with electrical stimulus
Computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT)
scan
Electrolysis
Dental Drills Electrosurgery and other procedures that
Dental Ultrasonic Scaler/Cleaner use an electric probe to control bleeding, cut
 Diagnostic Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) tissue, or remove tissue
Diagnostic x-rays (fluoroscopy) External defibrillation, AED, and elective
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) cardioversion
Hearing Aid (in or behind ear) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Heart Rate Monitor Lithotripsy
Laser Surgery Radiotherapy (including high-energy
Mammography radiation therapy)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) Stereotaxis
Therapeutic ultrasound
PH Capsules
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Sleep Apnea Machine (TENS), including neuro muscular electrical
stimulation (NMES)
Transmitting loop for digital hearing aid
Transurethral needle ablation (Medtronic
TUNA therapy)
Muscle Stimulators and other devices sending
current into your body

Medical and Dental Procedures

Activities and Intimacy
The goal is for you to lead a normal life as soon as possible. Here are suggested precautions to follow during your recovery period.
Your physician will provide you with specific directions based on your current medical condition and history.
Q: What activities can I resume? Q: Will my ICD deliver a shock during adjustments in the programming of your
A: Generally, your device will not keep intimacy or daily activities? heart device.
you from most activities and hobbies A: It is rare. Your ICD is programmed to
(e.g., bowling, golfing, playing tennis, allow your heart to normally rise without Q: Will I be able to resume sexual activity?
gardening, fishing, etc.). treatment shocks being delivered. Your A: Intimacy is a normal part of life. We
device should only deliver a shock when understand patients resume sexual
Q: Will I be able to return to work? your heart rate meets the specific criteria activity when they feel comfortable.
A: Most patients are able to return to work programmed by your heart doctor. If However, if you have a question, it may
after device implant. You and your doctor you receive a shock during intimacy or be helpful to have a conversation with
will make this decision. The timing will your doctor.
other activities, contact your physician.
depend on many things, including the Your doctor will then determine the If in doubt about an activity, always
type of work you do. discuss with your doctor or nurse.
cause of the shock and may also make

MRIs
Q: Are heart devices MR-compatible? Q: What if my device is not FDA approved for Q: If I had an MRI scan, did this affect my
A: C
 urrently, most heart devices are not use in the MRI environment? heart device?
considered safe in an MRI environment A: Medtronic does not recommend the use A: Your doctor can determine if there is an
because the MRI could change the settings of an MRI scan if your device is not FDA effect on your heart device. If you did not see
and/or temporarily affect the normal approved for use in the MRI environment. your doctor after an MRI scan, contact your
operation of the heart device. Medtronic Your physician should discuss all potential doctor.
has a pacemaker system* which is FDA benefits and risks with you.
approved for use in the MRI environment.
Q: What if my doctor strongly recommends
This pacemaker system has a unique design, * The Revo MRI SureScan pacing system is
an MRI scan?
developed so that under specific conditions, MR Conditional designed to allow patients to
patients may safely undergo MRI scans. A: Y
 our doctor should discuss all potential undergo MRI under the specified conditions
benefits and risks of an MRI scan with for use. A complete system, consisting of
Talk to your doctor about the pacemaker
you. Present your ID card to the doctor a Medtronic MRI SureScan IPG implanted
options available to you, including a
recommending the MRI scan. This card will with two CapSureFix MRI SureScan leads, is
device that may allow you access to an
MRI in the future. advise them to contact your attending heart required for use in the MRI environment.
doctor. If needed, your doctor can seek more
information from a Medtronic representative.
7
Anti-Theft Detectors and Airport Security Systems
Q: Can I go through store anti-theft detectors? Q: Can I go through security systems such as those found in airports
A: Yes. Anti-theft detectors in stores and libraries generate and courthouses?
electromagnetic fields that can sense embedded tags A: Given the short duration of security screening, it is unlikely that your Medtronic
on merchandise. It may be possible, under unique heart device will be affected by metal detectors (walk-through archways
circumstances, for these fields to temporarily affect the and hand-held wands) or full-body imaging scanners (also called millimeter
operation of your heart device. Significant effects from wave scanners and 3D imaging scanners) such as those found in airports,
interference are unlikely if you pass normally through the courthouses, and jails. The metal case of your heart device could set off a
detectors. It is recommended that you: metal detector. To minimize the risk of temporary interference with your heart
Be aware of anti-theft detectors device while going through the security screening process, avoid touching
Walk through at a normal walking speed metal surfaces around any screening equipment. Do not stop or linger in a
Dont linger close to the detection system equipment. walk-through archway; simply walk through the archway at a normal pace. If
If you are near an anti-theft system and feel symptoms, a hand-held wand is used, ask the security operator not to hold it over your
promptly move away from the equipment. Your heart heart device and not to wave it back and forth over your heart device. You may
device will resume its previous state of operation when also request a hand search as an alternative. If you have concerns about these
you move away from the equipment. security screening methods, show your device ID card, request alternative
screening, and then follow the instructions of the security personnel.

Household Magnets
Q: D o magnets affect pacemakers and When the internal switch is closed in the CD players, hair dryers, electric shavers,
implantable defibrillators? pacemaker, the pacemaker paces the heart electric toothbrushes, electric blankets,
A: E ven though most electromagnetic fields at a continuous pre-set rate (which could leaf blowers, lawn mowers, garage door
in the home environment will rarely affect be different than the rate your doctor openers, computers, and small shop tools.
the function of a pacemaker or implantable programmed).
If you mistakenly place a magnet too
defibrillator, it is recommended you keep When the internal switch is closed in an close to your heart device, simply move
any item containing magnets away (at implantable defibrillator, it prevents it from the item away.
least 6 inches/15 centimeters) from your delivering treatment therapies.
pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. Removing the magnet returns the
You may not always know if an item has a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
The reason for this is because there is a small magnet in it. However, if you use household back to its previous, normal
magnetically activated switch built into the items as they are intended, and they are programming.
electronics of pacemakers and implantable properly maintained, they should have no The use of magnetic mattress pads and
defibrillators. This internal switch is designed effect on your heart device. This includes
pillows is not recommended since it would
to close when a magnet of enough strength microwaves, kitchen appliances, cordless
be difficult to keep a 6-inch (15 centimeter)
is placed over it. phones, radios, televisions, video games, 8
separation from your heart device.
Welding and Chainsaws
Q: I read in my patient manual that I should Work with an informed person who Chainsaw Safety Precautions
avoid welding. Why? understands these suggestions Maintain a 6-inch distance between the
A: U
 nlike most other household power tools, Immediately stop welding and step away from motor of an electric chainsaw and your heart
welding with currents above 130 amps may the area if you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, device. Also, be sure the equipment is properly
have a higher tendency to temporarily affect or you believe your implantable defibrillator has grounded.
the normal function of your pacemaker or delivered a shock
implantable defibrillator. Maintain a 12-inch distance between the
Since welding equipment may temporarily affect components of the ignition system of a gas-
Q: What if I may need to use a welder? the normal operation of your heart device, any powered chainsaw and your heart device. Also,
A: It is recommended you avoid using welding decision you make to use this equipment should it is better to use one that is built with the spark
currents above 130 amps. be made in consultation with your heart doctor. plug located away from the hand grips.
Your doctor can advise you as to the degree Immediately stop cutting and turn off your
Follow the safety precautions below to of risk these responses pose for your medical
minimize the risk of interfering with your chainsaw if you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy,
condition. or you believe your implantable defibrillator has
heart device while welding with currents
under 130 amps. Aprons or vests will not effectively shield your delivered a shock
pacemaker or implantable defibrillator from the Do not work on the engine while it is running
electromagnetic energy generated by welding
equipment. Do not touch the coil, distributor, or spark plug
cables of a running engine

Welding Safety Precautions Educational services for patients

Limit welding to currents less than Q: I read in my patient manual that I should
avoid using a chainsaw. Why? Medtronic Patient Services
130 amps
A: The electromagnetic energy generated by If you have a Medtronic cardiac device and want to learn
Work in a dry area with dry gloves and shoes
a chainsaw is similar to other electric and more or have questions about living with an implanted
Maintain a 2-foot (60 centimeter) distance gasoline powered tools. If electromagnetic heart device, please contact Medtronic Patient Services
between the welding arc and heart device interference occurs with your heart device at 1 (800) 551-5544, ext. 41835. Our Patient Services
Keep the welding cables close together and and you experience symptoms such as Specialists are available to assist you, Monday-Friday
as far away as possible from your heart device. becoming dizzy or lightheaded, a running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central time.
Place the welding unit approximately 5 feet chainsaw may present a higher risk of injury
If you would like to submit questions, suggestions,
from the work area. to you than other power tools.
or requests to us online, you can use the online form
Connect the ground clamp to the metal as provided at www.medtronic.com/corporate/contact.jsp
Q: What if I may need to use a chainsaw?
close to the point of welding as possible.
A: You may need to use a chainsaw from time to Medtronic.com
Arrange the work so the handle and rod will
time. Follow the safety precautions below to
not contact the metal being welded if they are The Medtronic website includes in-depth information
minimize the risk of interfering with your heart
accidentally dropped. on heart conditions and treatment options for patients
device while using a chainsaw.
Wait several seconds between attempts when and their caregivers. Our interactive website allows you
having difficulty starting a weld to take assessments, view video, read patient stories,
and link to other resources. Visit us online at
Work in an area that offers firm footing and
www.medtronic.com.
plenty of room for movement 9