[Amps] Experience with Heart Pacemakers?

[K6YE - TOMMY]

I had a unit installed in 2007. Before I agreed to have this done, I asked some friends to point to an expert. My good friend Len Svidor, W6AUG, had worked with a cardiologist (who also happened to be a seasoned ham). He recommended a certain model of St Jude pacemakers, minus defibrillator, and I am okay from 0 to 900MHz with no power limitations. At frequencies above 1GHz, power cannot exceed 200 watts. With respect to microwave ovens, he indicated no restrictions.

I sincerely hope that the foregoing helps and I can provide the model on request.

Semper Fi,

Tommy - K6YE
DX IS and CW RULES


----- Original Message -----
From: Roger (K8RI) 
To: amps at contesting.com
Sent: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 16:09:08 -0400 (EDT)
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 at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps


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