Artificial pacemaker is composed of a slow pulse generator and a metal wire connected to it. It can stimulate the heart according to a certain form of artificial pulse current and make the heart contract rhythmically. Pacemaker is a kind of precise electronic equipment, and its performance will be affected by the interference of strong magnetic field or current, so we must be vigilant in some cases and never take it lightly.
Pacemakers are most afraid of magnetism, because all functional switches in pacemakers are controlled by magnets. Therefore, patients with cardiac pacemakers should try to avoid machines and environments that generate strong magnetic fields. Similarly, because the magnetic field and RF electric field generated during the magnetic resonance examination will make the pacemaker frequency output exceed the limited range, and may even damage the pacemaker, patients implanted with pacemakers are prohibited from receiving the magnetic resonance examination.
Current can also interfere with the normal function of pacemakers and even damage pacemakers, so it is not surprising to be afraid of electricity. Generally speaking, TV sets, DVD players, video recorders, cameras, microwave ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, electric irons, razors and other common household appliances will not affect the function of pacemakers; However, magnetic radios, televisions, magnetized cups, etc. It should be used as far as possible from the pacemaker 15 cm. Other commonly used household power tools and non-professional RF transmitters, if properly operated, will generally not interfere with the function of pacemakers. If there is interference, just stay away from these appliances or turn them off quickly.
Some anti-theft devices installed at the entrances and exits of supermarkets, libraries and other public places will cause pacemaker output suppression or temporarily switch to asynchronous pacing mode when patients approach this device. Therefore, patients with pacemakers should walk through the anti-theft device at this entrance and exit in a normal gait to avoid staying in this area.
Some industrial appliances, such as arc welding, induction furnace, resistance welding and high-voltage lines, will produce enough electromagnetic interference if they are too close, thus affecting the function of cardiac pacemakers.
At present, many people use mobile phones. Although some test data show that the interaction between the mobile phone and the pacemaker is temporary, the distance between the handheld mobile phone and the pacemaker should be at least 15cm. After use, the mobile phone should be placed opposite to the implanted pacemaker, never in the chest pocket or on the belt far away from the pacemaker 15cm, because the mobile phone can also transmit signals when it is in standby.
In addition, when patients come to the hospital for reexamination, charged medical equipment will also affect the normal function of pacemakers, such as electrotome, electrocoagulation, radiofrequency ablation, ventilator, lithotriptor, external defibrillation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and other treatments. Diagnostic chest radiograph and fluoroscopy have no effect on pacemaker function. However, highly radioactive substances, such as 60 cobalt or gamma rays, should not directly irradiate pacemakers. If the patient needs radiotherapy, lead should be used to shield the pacemaker to prevent the pacemaker from being damaged. Finally, it should be emphasized that patients should review their electrocardiogram regularly to understand the pacing function, sensing function and driving function of pacemakers. Take a chest X-ray to determine whether the pacing electrode position is normal, and check the pacing power supply in time so as to replace the power supply in time. Once the patient has symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, blackness and fatigue, he should go to the hospital immediately to check whether there is pacemaker dysfunction.