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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