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Re: [Amps] Experience with Heart Pacemakers?

To: Dave AA6YQ <aa6yq@ambersoft.com>, "amps@contesting.com" <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Experience with Heart Pacemakers?
From: Glen Zook via Amps <amps@contesting.com>
Reply-to: Glen Zook <gzook@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2014 15:33:33 -0700
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
I have had a St. Jude Medical pacemaker for a little over 2-years and 
absolutely no problems.  My main linear amplifier won't quite make full legal 
power, it runs around 1400-watts.  I operate on all bands from 1800 kHz through 
432 MHz including the 222 MHz band.

The only restriction is that I cannot have an MRI without specific precautions. 
 CT scans are fine.

I did verify the no problems with both the technician who did the initial 
programming of the pacemaker and then with the engineering staff at St. Jude 
Medical.  I understand that several of those on the engineering staff are 
amateur radio operators and, as such, they do understand the concerns about 
having problems with RF. 
 
Glen, K9STH


Website:  http://k9sth.com


On Saturday, August 2, 2014 3:49 PM, Dave AA6YQ <aa6yq@ambersoft.com> wrote:
 


I don't have a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator installed, but as part of the 
effort to introduce wireless electronic voting to our (New England) Town 
Meeting, I addressed concerns with the use of WiFi voting handsets by directly 
contacting major implanted device manufacturers like Boston Scientific and 
Medtronic.  Each provided me with explicit constraints for their devices; I 
didn't ask, but suspect that they each have an answer to the "what about HF 
power amplifiers?" question. I suggest that you contact them and ask.

      73,

              Dave, AA6YQ

-----Original Message-----
From: Amps [mailto:amps-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger (K8RI)
Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2014 4:09 PM
To: amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Experience with Heart Pacemakers?

On 8/2/2014 1:28 PM, George wrote:
> My Cardiologist has recommended that I consider having a Pacemaker 
> installed.  After reading some of the pamphlets from a couple of the 
> Manufacturers, I came away with the impression that they don t mix well with 
> higher power RF amplifiers.

I have a Defib/pacemaker.  The "only restrictions are no cellphone in my shirt 
pocket and when welding (yes welding) route the cables away from my core, IOW 
bring them in from the side or above (away from me).

I run the legal limit with an amp capable of 2500 PEP and no problems.

There are the two problems mentioned, but typically a transformer has no where 
near the magnetic field associated with welding and unless it's a home brew amp 
with an old transformer I'd not expect any problems.

HOWEVER There is a difference in pacemakers.  Go on line and check pacemakers 
and susceptibility to RF.  You may have to phrase it several ways to find the 
best.  "I think" mine has something to do with the Cleveland Clinic.  At any 
rate, it was the highest rated for immunity to the two issues.

When I asked my cardiologist, they gave me several pamphlets describing the 
susceptibility and immunity for a number of pacemakers and a tutorial on 
welding while wearing a pacemaker.

I've done a lot of welding, cutting with a plasma torch, and hamming with the 
amp running for over 10 years now with no issues.

You should be able to get one installed that will let you run the ham station.  
I would stay away from the antennas when someone is transmitting.  IOW, don't 
climb the tower to check the field strength when someone is running the rig 
just short of tilt and stay away from the ends of your 75 and 160 inverted Vs

73 and good luck,

Roger (K8RI)


>
> I be interested in hearing the experience of those with this dilemma   both 
> ways i.e.
>
> What amps do not interfere with  which Pacemakers?
>
> What Pacemakers do best with most amps?
>
> Maybe there is a thread on this subject but I didn t notice one?
>
> Either online or off is okay.
>
> Hate to think about giving up my DXing hobby with QRO!
>
> 73  George  W8UVZ
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps



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