User's Manual

135
Cautionary Notes
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If interference is expected to have clinically relevant consequences, the
patient must be protected from the interference or its effects, e.g.,
through appropriate warnings or pacemaker reprogramming.
Household Appliances
Electrical household appliances (e.g., ranges, microwave ovens, radios,
televisions, VCRs, electric shavers and toothbrushes) do not normally
affect pacemaker operation if the appliances are in good condition and
properly grounded and insulated. Simple electrical tools, such as drills
and battery-operated screwdrivers, are to be kept at a distance of at
least 12 inches (30 cm) from the pacemaker.
Cellular Phones
The possible influence of cellular phones on cardiac pacemakers
cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the patient should always hold the
cellular phone to the ear that is located on the opposite side of the
body from where the pacemaker was implanted. Some cellular phones
emit signals even when they are not turned on and are only on standby.
For this reason, cellular phones should not be carried at chest level. As
a rule, possible interference is only temporary, and the pacemaker will
again function properly once the cell phone is out of the immediate
vicinity of the implant. We recommend a minimum distance of 6 inches
(15 cm) to the implant.
Note: When pacemaker sensitivities between 0.1 and 0.3
mV have been programmed, a distance of 8 inches
(20 cm) is recommended.