Magnets and ICD’s: I have recently had... - British Heart Fou...

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Magnets and ICD’s

Turtle_Salmon profile image
6 Replies

I have recently had an S-ICD implanted and want to get a bit more clued up on safe distances I can be from magnets. I have two products with magnets: a Dyson hairdryer and a Microsoft surface laptop. Does anyone know if I can still use these products and how much distance I should keep between them and my S-ICD?

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Turtle_Salmon profile image
Turtle_Salmon
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6 Replies
Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

Hi there is a closed Facebook group called ICD Support-Uk, who may be able to help with this question.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Hello and welcome to the forum! This may help:

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

sturon profile image
sturon

My partner has an S-ICD and the only domestic thing he must stay 2 feet away from is our induction hob. I am almost sure the things you mention will not be an issue. Boston Scientific (the makes of most S-ICD's) has a web site which has lots of information for patients. Just Google - S-ICD and Boston - and you will find them. You could also check with your cardiology physiologist at the hospital that implanted the device.

My partner had it implanted just over a year ago following two cardiac arrests: he has long QT Syndrome. Life was difficult for a few months after such a life changing experience, but now we are back to 'normal'.

Good luck and let me know if you need anything further.

Turtle_Salmon profile image
Turtle_Salmon in reply to sturon

Thank you so much for your response and support. Does your partner have to stay 2ft away from the induction hob at all times or only when it is turned on?

sturon profile image
sturon in reply to Turtle_Salmon

Hi. It's only when it's turned on, as it has a magnetic field.

This is the main web site for Boston Scientific it has useful information and patient information which you may find helpful:

bostonscientific.com/en-US/...

The patient information also can tell you where in the world there is a cardiac centre that implants S-ICD's - useful if you are travelling.

My partner found the first couple of times going to airports a bit scary but now it's just so easy once the security staff know you have an S-ICD.

He had to have an MRI post implant and the cardiology physiologist and a team had to be present but fortunately he has an MRI S-ICD implant. As you will know strong magnetic fields are a no go.

Turtle_Salmon profile image
Turtle_Salmon

Thanks that’s really useful. I have to travel a lot with work, so really good to have the extra information on finding cardiac centres abroad.

Does your partner show his card before going through the metal detectors to avoid going through them entirely?

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