Patients with implantable heart devices searching for more information about welding.
Unlike most other household power tools, welding with currents above 160 amps may have a higher tendency to temporarily affect the normal function of your pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. When welding with currents under 160 amps, follow the welding and safety precautions to minimize the risk of interference with an implanted heart device.
Since welding equipment may temporarily affect the normal operation of an implanted heart device, the decision you make to use this equipment should be made in consultation with your heart doctor. Aprons or vests will not effectively shield your pacemaker or implantable defibrillator from the electromagnetic energy generated by welding equipment.
If the electromagnetic fields surrounding an item are too close to the implanted heart device — and the heart device happens to detect these fields — this may temporarily affect the normal function of the heart device. This same effect may also occur if the item being touched is not in good working order or properly wired, causing electrical current to flow into the body. In either situation, this may temporarily cause the heart device to deliver a therapy that is not needed or withhold a therapy that is needed. In addition, maintain a minimum distance between certain items and the implanted heart device. This will help to avoid any temporary effect on the heart device.
| Important Safety Information |
| An implantable pacemaker system relieves symptoms of heart rhythm disturbances. They do this by restoring normal heart rates. A normal heart rate provides your body with the proper amount of blood circulation. The pacemaker system is intended for patients who need rate-adaptive pacing or chronic pacing or for patients who may benefit from synchronizing the pumping of the heart chambers. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system delivers therapies to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders or who are at significant risk of developing heart rhythm disorders. An ICD is placed inside your body and works automatically. An implantable CRT pacemaker system relieves symptoms of heart rhythm disturbances. They do this by restoring normal heart rates. A normal heart rate provides your body with the proper amount of blood circulation. The pacemaker system is intended for patients who need rate-adaptive pacing or chronic pacing or for patients who may benefit from synchronizing the pumping of the heart chambers. A cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system delivers therapies to treat patients who may benefit from synchronizing the pumping of the heart chambers. A CRT ICD also delivers therapies to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders or who are at significant risk of developing heart rhythm disorders. Risks associated with these implantable device systems include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site and/or sensitivity to the device material, failure to deliver therapy when it is needed, or receiving extra therapy when it is not needed. After receiving an implantable device system, you will have limitations with magnetic and electromagnetic radiation, electric or gas-powered appliances and tools with which you are allowed to be in contact. If you have a complete MRI SureScan™ system, your physician may prescribe an MRI scan for you. The energy fields present during an MRI scan may interact with an implanted heart device, which could create risks for you. However, many Medtronic heart devices are designed to reduce these risks to a very low level so that you can safely undergo MRI scans under specified conditions. If you need an MRI, your doctor will confirm you are eligible based on the requirements provided by Medtronic. Treatment with these implantable device systems is prescribed by your physician. This treatment or service is not for everyone. Please talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. Your physician should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Although many patients benefit from the use of this treatment or service, results may vary. |