For Implantable Cardiac Devices:
Most household and hobby items are unlikely to affect your heart device when the items are in good working condition, used as intended, and the recommended distances are maintained. For items that transmit power through an antenna, it is recommended that you follow the noted distances between the antenna and your implanted heart device. Maintain at least the recommended distance between the item and your heart device.
12-inch Distance:
- Car/Motorcycle – from components of the ignition system
- Electric Fence
- Electric Pet Containment Fence – from buried wire and indoor antenna
- Transformer Box (green box in yard)
2-Foot Distance:
- Beach Comber Metal Detector – from the search head
- Induction Cooktop Stove
Maintain at least a 6-inch distance between the item and your heart device:
- Electric Grocery Cart/Golf Cart – from motor
- Electric Kitchen Appliances – hand-held (electric mixer or knife)
- Electric Shaver – corded
- Electric Toothbrush Charging Base
- Exercise Bike – from the magnet in wheel
- Hair Dryer – hand-held
- Hand-held Back Massager
- Magnetic Therapy Products
- Radio-Controlled Items – from antenna
- Sewing Machine/Serger – from motor
- Small Magnet (household magnet)
- Speakers
- Tattoo Machine
- Treadmill – from motor
- Ultrasonic Pest Controller
- Vacuum Cleaner – from motor
Not Recommended:
- Ab Stimulator
- Electronic Body Fat Scale
- Magnetic Mattress Pad/Pillow
Read more here.
Note: The FDA also issued the following notice on September 22, 2022: “Medtronic MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pump System – Potential Cybersecurity Risk”
“Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting medical device users about a potential cybersecurity risk for the Medtronic MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pump System (for example MiniMed 630G and MiniMed 670G).” Read the full FDA press release here.
