Keyless Vehicle Systems

I have just had my third PM replacement, a Biotronik Evia DR-T with a home monitoring transmitter. My car is a Nissan Qashqai which has a keyless system and I note in the handbook that drivers/passengers who have pacemakers fitted are advised to consult the PM manufacturers before using the vehicle. I emailed Biotronik in Germany and received a reply within the hour, the following is their reply which may assist other PM patients

Dear Sir,
The electromagnetic fields generated by smart key systems are not strong enough to interfere with our implants. Some car manufacturers recommend to keep a safety distance of approx. 15 inches between an implanted pacemaker and the antennas of the smart entry system. Please consult the car owner's manual for information on the location of the antennas.
kind regards
p.p. Andrea Jabel
Global Technical Service
Cardiac Rhythm Management


BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
Woermannkehre 1
12359 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 30 68905-1611
Fax: +49 (0) 30 68905-1960
Mail: andrea.jabel@biotronik.com

4 Comments

Crazy

by NiceNiecey - 2014-07-02 11:07:11

Just another thing to worry/think about when one has a PM! I often rent a car for business and now and again I have a car with a keyless entry. I have not had a problem with it but it certainly gives me pause that maybe SOME vehicles will have a stronger magnetic field. I'll try to stay the commensurate 15" from the antenna, wherever that might be!

the lawyers

by KAG - 2014-07-03 11:07:05

who write the cautions are earning their pay.

Common Sense ....... Yes, but don't push it!

by Dyffryn - 2014-07-04 04:07:08

PJinSC states, "I have challenged my device in some pretty strong electrical environments". Maybe Boston Scientific's devices are a cut above other manufacturers, but I would certainly advise other PM users to beware of strong electrical fields and not to 'challenge' their device in such a manner. My first device, a Dutch model, was fine in most normal situations. My second, an American St Jude's Zephyr, would react to some stores anti theft alarms and would drive airport alarms to a frenzy. My third device, a German Biotronic Evia, is at present an unknown quantity having been implanted just two weeks hence. I have experienced the good and the bad side of living with a PM and as I am being paced 100% of the time I use common sense and avoid all unnecessary contact with strong electrical influences .... Simple precautions whilst still leading a full active life.

Stop worrying so much. Use Common Sense.

by PJinSC - 2014-07-04 12:07:42

I have a 2013 Prius (it also has a keyless entry system. and it does not in any manner affect my PM (Boston Scientific ENVIVE CRT-P). Also have other cars with keyless entry fobs. No issues. I have challenged my device in some pretty strong electrical environments, worked at a nuclear power plant and use all sorts of engines and electrical power devices and not experienced anything. The security screening to go in the nuclear security area is much more than airport security. The metal detectors and explosive sniffer booths never bothered me at all and I never set off the metal detectors with my implant. Never had an issue at any airport or on a plane either. Your manufacturer's website will have a list of things they recommend for possible interference sources. If you are concerned, follow their advice about maintaining distance from your device. There is a lot of bad urban legend information circulating. You can't stay hidden under your bed the remainder of your life.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!