ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE

DEALING WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)

When you live with a CRT-P, CRT-D or pulmonary artery (PA) pressure sensor, it is important to be aware of electromagnetic interference, or EMI. EMI happens when the electromagnetic field generated by certain household objects, pieces of heavy equipment and medical equipment/procedures interferes with the way an implantable device or PA sensor works.

EMI can potentially:

• Disrupt the function of a CRT-P or CRT-D
• Cause a 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 about the best way to avoid EMI, and for answers to any questions you may have about how specific equipment can affect your device.

EMI AND PULMONARY ARTERY (PA) PRESSURE SENSORS

When you live with a CRT-P, CRT-D or pulmonary artery (PA) pressure sensor, it is important to be aware of electromagnetic interference, or EMI. EMI happens when the electromagnetic field generated by certain household objects, pieces of heavy equipment and medical equipment/procedures interferes with the way an implantable device or PA sensor works.

EMI can potentially:

• Disrupt the function of a CRT-P or DRT-D
• Cause a 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 about the best way to avoid EMI, and for answers to any questions you may have about how specific equipment can affect your device. 

EMI AND PULMONARY ARTERY (PA) PRESSURE SENSORS

If you have a pulmonary artery (PA) pressure monitoring system, EMI from theft detection or airport security systems could make it difficult for you to take sensor readings. However, it is unlikely that you would be taking readings when you are near this type of equipment. Electric blankets or waterbeds could cause interference. If you have a waterbed or electric blanket, take the reading in another room.

EMI AND OTHER IMPLANTABLE DEVICES

Some surgeries and medical procedures can interfere with your device, as can some industrial equipment. Use caution with some household and personal equipment.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) CONDITIONAL CRT DEVICES 

MRI technology is used to visualize soft tissue within the body. MRI scans are considered the imaging modality that offers the most information to medical professionals when making patient diagnosis. MRI is often the preferred imaging choice when diagnosing stroke, cancer, heart-related issues, injuries and many other medical conditions because of the very detailed images it provides, combined with the low risk of radiation. 

Some CRT devices are called “MR Conditional,” “MRI Conditional” or “MRI ready.” This means that they are designed to allow you to safely undergo an MRI scan under certain conditions, due to safeguards in the system’s design that protect it from the risks of EMI. By having a CRT device implanted that allows MRI scans, you will have access to what many physicians consider their preferred diagnostic tool. 

If your CRT device is MR Conditional, your doctor will have informed you, and you should carry a special identification card. If you have a Abbott CRT device, download your CRT device patient ID card.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES TO AVOID

Always inform hospital, clinic and dental staff that you have a CRT-P or CRT-D. The following procedures produce EMI and are not considered safe for people with implantable devices.

• Microwave diathermy
• MRI/MRA scans for people with certain CRT-Ps and CRT-Ds

MEDICAL PROCEDURES TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT

Ask your doctor before undergoing:

• Acupuncture with electrical stimulus
• Cardioversion
• Electrocautery
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Electrolysis
• Endoscopic procedures: colonoscopy/gastroscopy
• Hyperbaric therapy
• Iontophoresis
• Interferential current therapy
• Laser/lasik eye surgery
• Lithotripsy
• Radiation therapy
• Radio frequency ablation
• Ultrasound, therapeutic
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens)
• Transurethral prostate therapy

MEDICAL PROCEDURES WITH NO KNOWN RISK

Medical procedures that you can safely have if you have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator include:

• Acupuncture with no electrical stimulus
• Bone density scan
• CT scan
• Dental drilling and ultrasonic scalers
• Electrocardiogram
• External counter pulsation
• Fluoroscopy
• Mammography (position emission tomography(PET))
• Ultrasound, diagnostic
• X-ray, diagnostic

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

Some industrial equipment can produce EMI that interferes with pacemakers. These include:

• Arc welders
• Induction furnaces
• Very large or defective electric motors
• Very large internal combustion engines with poorly shielded ignition systems

Ask your doctor before working with or near these machines.

HOME AND OFFICE TECHNOLOGY TO AVOID:

• Magnetic mattresses or chairs
• Electrical equipment in poor condition
• Electrical equipment that is improperly grounded

HOME AND OFFICE TECHNOLOGY WITH NO KNOWN RISKS

These items carry no known risk to implantable devices. Use caution with items marked with an asterisk.