Understanding electromagnetic safety
Tens of thousands of patients worldwide rely on Boston Scientific technology for life-changing medical solutions, implants, and pain relief therapies.
The goal of a cardiac monitoring device is to get you back to the things you enjoy in everyday life. Understand the facts about electromagnetic interference and your device to stay safe in every situation.
All items that use electricity or transmit wireless signals have invisible electromagnetic fields around them that may temporarily interfere with your device. This is called electromagnetic interference, or EMI for short.
Boston Scientific cardiac monitoring devices are designed to work properly around most appliances and tools. However, some appliances and tools may affect how your device works. While these effects are usually temporary, we recommend using the following guidelines for safe interaction with many common household items.
Your device has built-in features that protect it from interference from most electrical or wireless household items. However, some electrical and wireless items must be kept a certain distance away from your implanted device to avoid interaction with your device.
Safety ratings
Avoid use
Use with caution
Safe to use
Household tools that are not safe for use
These items are not safe for use if you have a cardiac monitor device:
Household tools that are safe to use at a distance (use with caution)
If you use any of the following items, it’s important to keep them the recommended distance away from your implanted device to avoid interaction. Items that should not be placed directly over your device, but are otherwise safe to use:
While portable MP3 players themselves should not interfere with your device, the headphones or earbuds should be stored at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your device and you should avoid draping the headphones around your neck.
Items that should remain at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your device:
It is safe to use headphones and earbuds, but you should refrain from draping them around your neck and from storing them in a breast or other shirt pocket.
Items that should remain at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from your device:
Items that should remain at least 24 inches (60 cm) away from your device:
Avoid leaning over running motors and alternators of a running vehicle. Alternators create large magnetic fields that can affect your implanted device. However, the distance required to drive or ride in a vehicle is safe.
Household tools that are safe under normal use
These household items are generally safe to use with a cardiac monitor device as long as they are in good working condition and used as intended.
Consult with your doctor before using a hot tub. While a hot tub will not harm your implanted device, your medical condition may not permit this activity.
PDAs that also function as cell phones should be kept at least 6 inches away from your CRT-P or CRT-D.
Using cell phones safely
Your cellular phone is a source of EMI and could affect your cardiac monitoring device. This interaction is temporary, and moving the phone away from your device will return it to proper function. To reduce the chance of interaction, follow these precautions:
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 cm) between the cell phone and your device. If the phone transmits more than 3 watts, increase the distance to 12 inches (30 cm)
- Hold the cellular phone to your ear on the opposite side of your body from your device.
- Do not carry a cell phone in a breast pocket or on a belt if that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your device
These precautions apply only to cell phones, not to household cordless phones. However, you should avoid placing your household cordless phone receiver directly over your device.
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