Any Issues Detecting with a Heart Implant?

[Dr. Witty]

A friend of mine just got a Biotronic ICD Itrevia Pacemaker/Defibrillator installed in his chest. His doctor says he can metal detect as long as he keeps the coil as far away from his chest as possible; this is a little vague. Now that I have an AT Pro coming, I'd like him to start using my Ace 250. Does anyone here have one of these implants who knows what the minimum distance to the chest should be, and would there be any limitations in using a pro-pointer as well? He went out detecting with me this past weekend without issues. I'd hate for him to receive a nasty shock, and maybe worse. Thanks.
-Dr. Wittty

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Unfortunately - those who did discover the minimum safe distance can't respond.

He should probably do a few trial runs in the company of an assistant while he sits in a chair.

The output of detectors is pretty low; but I'm no doctor, Doctor.

 

[stefen]

Plays hell with airport security systems...

 

[Don Griffith]

I had an ICD implanted 4 years ago, and all they told me to do was stay away from strong magnets and welding machines... Your friend should have to go back every so often to have it checked by a tech., at which time they'll read the implants' history, and spot any issues with it. I've been using my XLT same as I always have, at least as long as I've felt like it, no problems so far. Tell him to listen to his body, when he needs to rest, rest... Sometimes it's rough not being 20 anymore.
HH, Don

 

[c.d.]

I started detecting about 6 months ago and no problems so far. I did have a run-in with a magnet a while back, no shock just a beeping noise from the ICD. I called in and they said everything was fine. I'm more worried about my pinpointer than my detector.

 

[mrwilburino]

Try contacting the manufacturer. They should know the answer to that question and would probably be happy to help.

 

[lastleg]

I've never tried detecting with an implant but if I had one I would give it a spin.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

I think as long as the coil isn't within range, you should be OK. Since the coil isn't picking up keys and coins in your pocket when on the ground, it's not close enough to pick up the ICD. Just don't put a beeping pinpointer in the right shirt pocket!

Wayne

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[Dr. Witty]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. He's going to give it a go. It will be nice to finally have a detecting buddy along to share the hunt.

 

[adamBomb]

I don't think any doctor would recommend it and I personally would pick up another activity even though chances seem small that it will go bad. One fall, trip, wrong bend to pick something up, etc. and that can be it for you. In one google search it doesn't sound that safe:

Article 1 - woman dies from airport metal detector: Woman dies after metal detector causes pacemaker to malfunction | Fox News

Article 2: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/532028_4

From the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PublicHealthNotifications/ucm062288.htm

 

[Dr. Witty]

adamBomb: All those metal detector incidents and suggestions you posted have to do with Airport Metal detectors not Treasure hunting detectors. I'm sure my friend would never pass a Garrett coil over his chest and he doesn't own a pin pointer...yet. c.d. seems to be doing just fine with his implant. My friend is still going to consult his doctor first, but it's looking like he's going to take up this hobby.