Guide to Electromagnetic Compatibility and Your Cardiac Device
For people living with a pacemaker, ICD, or CRT first learning about electromagnetic fields and how they present in our everyday lives can feel limiting and scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Abbott builds devices to empower people to live their best lives and our cardiac solutions are built to work around most appliances and tools. However, when you live with an implanted cardiac device, it is important to be aware of electromagnetic interference or EMI.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
EMI, also called radio-frequency interference, is an electromagnetic field generated by an electrical device. This field can cause an interruption in performance of another electronic device within its proximity. What this means is that certain household objects, heavy equipment and some medical procedures can interfere with the way your implantable cardiac device works.
EMI Symptoms
If you think EMI is affecting your device, symptoms to look for include feeling lightheaded, dizzy or palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat). If you are near electrical equipment or magnets, simply turn off the equipment or walk away. Your device is made to immediately resume normal operation outside of EMI range, usually 12-24 inches.
EMI and Your Device
Any electronic object gives off electromagnetic energy (EMC) or EMI, which may temporarily affect the normal operation of your implanted heart device. In most cases these energy fields are too weak to affect your heart device, but electrical items with strong energy fields could alter the therapy delivered by your implant.
EMI can potentially:
Disrupt the function of a pacemaker, ICD, CRT-P or CRT-D
Cause an ICD or CRT-D to falsely sense an irregular heart rhythm, sending a shock that is not needed
Interfere with a PA sensor reading
Ask your doctor
Ask your doctor for personalized advice about
the best way to avoid EMI, and for answers to
any questions you may have about how specific equipment can affect your device. With a
few precautions added to your daily routine,
you can ensure you are living your best life,
without worrying if your device is functioning correctly.
EMI COMPATIBILITY GUIDE
MEDICAL & DENTAL PROCEDURES
Procedures to Avoid
Always inform hospital, clinic and dental staff that you have an implanted cardiac device. The following procedures produce EMI and are not considered safe for people with implanted cardiac devices:
Microwave diathermy
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for non-MR-conditional devices*
* Unless the device is MR-conditional, then consult with your doctor.
Procedures to Consult Your Doctor About
Consult with your doctor before undergoing the following medical procedures:
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The following pages are intended for medical professionals and provide information on the proper use of products (medical devices, etc.) of Abbott Medical Japan GK.
The information provided here is not intended to provide information to patients and the general public.
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The information provided here is not intended to provide information to patients and the general public.