Pacemakers have increasingly sophisticated circuitry to prevent damage or interference from external magnetic interference.
Electric fences
Nobody should touch an electric fence but should electric shock occur it would be wise to have the system checked by formal interrogation in case electrical mode reversion has occurred.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI poses potential problems for the pacemaker patient. Significant artefact would be obtained in regions close to an implanted pacemaker but more importantly the powerful magnetic fields might interfere with the device. Initial blanket denial of MRI imaging to the pacemaker patient has been tempered by small studies showing device safety under carefully controlled conditions. Extreme caution should be advised and expert opinion sought prior to planned MRI investigation.
Airport metal detectors
Airport metal detectors have the potential to interfere with pacing systems. Patients should produce their pacemaker registration cards to bypass busy security queues.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones have been extensively investigated in terms of interaction with implanted devices. Analogue phones do not interact with implanted devices but more modern digital devices have the potential to interfere with pacing systems when utilised within a field of 10–15 cm. Pacemaker patients with mobile phones are therefore advised to carry mobile telephones on the opposite side of the body from the site of the device implant and should hold the device to the opposite ear.
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