[Amps] Experience with Heart Pacemakers?

[Dave AA6YQ]

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 at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger (K8RI)
Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2014 4:09 PM
To: amps at 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
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