Pacemaker features

Hey all

I'm 22 years old and i have never imagined i would get a pacemaker and didn't want to do the surgery and my pm seems to be incompatible with MRI scanning and the security gates could be harmful that's what my EP told me he wasn't sure he had to call someone to ask ,it's so frustrating that i didn't get to choose the features of the device i tried to read the manuals and i checked Medtronic website but it didn't say anything about my type of device, it's Medtronic Adapta ADDR01 do you have any idea about its features how can i be sure if it's surescan or not?

4 Comments

it's fine

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-16 10:32:00

We can walk on through at security! Don't linger in the metal detectors but it's fine. The alloys they use in the pacer won't set it off and the metal detector doesn't hurt the pacer. Virtually nothing you encounter in day to day life will affect them. 

Some pacers are specifically mri compatible, but any newer pacer can have an mri. Not just any hospital will do it and there will be some hoops to jump through, but it can be done. 

Can you change ep's?? Because that's pretty basic knowledge! 

Thanks

by Omar - 2020-11-16 12:02:06

Thanks Tracey that was informative i will go to another EP for reassurance 

Also do you know how things go in the Airport with it? Will they be understanding?

Airport

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-16 12:35:32

TSA doesn't care about pacemakers.  They've seen one or two before and know what they are.  They've asked me if I have any implanted metal (hips, knees, etc.).  I've always answered that I have a pacemaker and sternum wires.  The security agent has always looked annoyed and motioned me on.

The only possible issues come up with the wand style metal detectors (this goes for concerts, courthouses, and anywhere else security might be in place).  If these are in use, you should request that they scan you from the waist down.  Be mprepared to show them your pacemaker ID if they ask.  I'd recommend that you not offer.  You might find yourself being groped by bubba.

airport

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-16 12:41:38

Once upon a time we had to tell them at the airport and get a pat down. That is old news! Now we can just walk on through either the 3D scanners or the metal detectors. No issues, I just flew yesterday and didn't say anything. I never do. As Agent said we should not be wanded above the waist but that's hardly ever an issue anymore because we can walk through the metal detectors now. That's more likely to come up at concerts and courthouses, the airport personnel knows better. 

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Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.