Foot massager

I would like to use a foot massager but I have read conflicting opinions on whether or not using a foot massager can affect your pacemaker... Any thoughts on this?

1 Comments

What kind?

by Theknotguy - 2014-12-27 10:12:41

You don't say what kind of foot massager you have under consideration. If it is a mechanical foot massager, absolutely no problem with the PM/ICD.

TENS - Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - seems to be another matter. Please see web links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcutaneous_electrical_nerve_stimulation

TENS used across an artificial cardiac pacemaker (or other indwelling stimulator, including across its leads) may cause interference and failure of the implanted device. Serious accidents have been recorded in cases when this principle was not observed.[23] A 2009 review in this area suggests that electrotherapy, including TENS, "are best avoided" in patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). They add that "there is no consensus and it may be possible to safely deliver these modalities in a proper setting with device and patient monitoring", and recommend further research. The review found several reports of ICDs administering inappropriate treatment due to interference with TENS devices, but notes that the reports on pacemakers are mixed: some non-programmable pacemakers were inhibited by TENS, but others were unaffected or auto-reprogrammed.[24]

Medtronic has an implantable neurostimulation device for pain. Probably not needed in your situation. Web link and comments below.

http://www.medtronicneuro.com.au/faq_pain_neurostimulation.html#q36

Can I have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)?

In many cases, both the pacemaker and the neurostimulator can be mutually compatible. Appropriate testing, placement and programming of the devices can help in achieving mutual compatibility. Under certain conditions, it is possible that the pacemaker or ICD could detect the output stimuli from a neurostimulator. This would cause inappropriate pacemaker or ICD operation during the time the stimuli are detected and possibly cause the delivery of an inadvertent shock. Since there are so many possible combinations of devices and individual patient considerations, your physician and your cardiologist should discuss your particular situation.

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

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