This video discusses how a magnet helps you in the management of pacemaker mediated tachycardia + inappropriate shocks. coreem.net/pro... CoreEM.net / core_em
Great video! Straight forward with great info. I do have one piece of info learned from a Medtronic Engineer, and later confirmed by a Boston Scientific Engineer: Current devices no longer have reed switches because of issues in the 90's with reed switches sticking resulting in several ICDs failing to shock when needed. The switch was made about 10 years ago to Hall sensors. Hall sensors perform the same function as a reed switch, but eliminates the need for a mechanical switch and removes the possibility of the reed switch sticking resulting in device failure (and potentially death).
You mean the magnets within are sticking together even when not needed? I thought they were supposed to stick together and form a close circuit, when an external magnet was applied. The close circuit then reprograms the aberrant system. Or did I understand the concept of reed switches within a pacemaker wrong? Help!!
The effect of the magnet depends on the manufacturer and the model of device. It doesn’t always have the effect you expect. Check with the manufacturer first.
Dr. Guiney, thank you for this video. I had a Boston Scientific defibrillator/pacemaker implanted on 10-13-23. The pacemaker part is turned off. Where can I buy this magnet? I don't see it on Amazon. I'd like 5: 3 in the vehicles and 1 by my bed and 1 by my Lazyboy. May be a waste of money but I was shocked in the ER at 200 joules while awake and don't want a malfunction. Thank you.
So it's ok to use the magnet temporarily to deactivate the ICD and reassess. In case we need to reactivate the ICD, simply removing the magnet does it (no lasting effect)? For example, with an ICD that starts defib at 156 bpm (presuming the software deems the rhythm malignant) and erroneously detects vtach, would it be ok to use the magnet during exercice and remove the magnet after? (supposing a low risk of stable/asymptomatic monomophic vtach).
Is there a way to permanently disabled an ICD or pacer? If prolonged exposure to a magnet by pacer or ICD can that possibly permanently disable it? What about emps?
Prolonged exposure to a magnet will not permanently disable it. An EMP if large enough can damage any electrical device and could make a pacemaker or ICD not function properly. To permanently disable a device, the settings will need to be changed with an interrogator (the wireless computer her references).
SHOULD THE NURSE DO C.P.R. WHILE HAVING A PACEMAKER??? THEY KILLED MY HUSBAND. HE COULD NOT WALK AFTER.They placed stances in his vains through his legs and then a pasemaker. They practice on him.
He’s just young… give him a break. He is smart and if you happen to end up as his patient someday, you won’t care if he is arrogant while saving your life.
