what is a safe distance to stay from an electric transformer for a pacemaker patient, also a cellular communication tower?

Question

Can you please tell me why it'sunsafe for a patient with a pacemaker to have an MRI scan?

Answer 1

Engineer: I suggest you contact the engineering department of the company that made the particular brand pacemaker you're concerned about - they will need to know the approximate wattage of the transformer (home use versus industrial). Regarding cell towers, i suspect that there is no risk unless the person is a repairman and working in immediate proximity.

Answer 2

No: No, not unless the person with the pacemaker is actually struck by lightning.

Answer 3

No impossible....: These devices are shielded unless you are struck by lightning.

Answer 4

Recycle: Pacemaker recycle programs are available in some countries but not in the USA

Answer 5

With a special box: Each manufacturer of pacemakers makes their own device that communicates with it by radio waves and can get reports from it and can give it instructions.

Answer 6

Programmer: The piece of equipment used to interrogate and program pacemakers (and defibrillators) are called programmers. The programmer is used (usually) by a representative of the manufacturer. When devices are implanted they are usually set to 'norms' established for the patient's condition. Later, especially for bi-v, they are optimized. It is the cardiologist that determines the appropriate settings.

Answer 7

No limit: If they keep replacing the units when the battery is low it will not limit life expectancy.

Answer 8

Indefinitely: The pacemaker is a very reliable way to maintain a normal heart rate. The device and the wires that connect it to the heart do require replacement infrequently. With appropriate follow up these procedures are electively planned and do not entail a high risk.

Answer 9

Several things: The case is made of titanium, the batteries are lithium, /iodine cells, the electrodes are thin insulated wires, and the circuit boards contain resistors, diodes, capacitors, and semiconductors. The circuit boards function like a small EKG machine sensing spontaneous heart beats and if the heart does not beat, they send a small shock down the wires to make it beat.

Answer 10

Biocompatable stuff: There are multiple components, but all must be nontoxic, not cause immune sytem to react, sterilizable, and able to work in wet, warm and mobile environment. Usually the case for the pacemaker is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The lead is also made of a metal alloy, covered with polyurethane or silicone. Other components are sealed inside the case and are not exposed to react to the body.

what is a safe distance to stay from an electric transformer for a pacemaker patient, also a cellular communication tower?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

Can an electrical storm have any effect on pacemakers?

Can someone recycle a pacemaker?

How can pacemakers be programmed?

How long can a person live with pacemaker?

What materials are pacemakers made out of?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

People also asked

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors