User's Manual

138
Cautionary Notes
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Ultrasound Therapy and Diathermy
As a rule, ultrasound therapy and diathermy are fundamentally
contraindicated for pacemaker patients due to possible heat build-up
in the implant. If a therapy must be performed, it should not be
applied in the immediate vicinity of the pacemaker or the lead. The
peripheral pulse of the patient should be continuously monitored
during treatment. The pacemaker function and pacing threshold must
be checked after the therapy.
Radiation Therapy
The electronic circuit elements of the pacemaker can be damaged by
radiation therapy. The pacemaker should be shielded during such
treatment. Following the radiation treatment, the pacemaker function
must be checked and monitored for a sufficient period of time.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation(TENS)
This therapy is contraindicated for pacemaker patients. If the therapy
must be used, the following precautions are recommended:
— The TENS electrodes should be placed as close as possible to
each other to reduce the spread of electricity.
— The TENS electrodes should be placed as far away as possible
from the pacemaker and the lead.
— Cardiac activity and the peripheral pulse should be monitored
during the nerve stimulation.