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Return to arc welding following defibrillator implantation
J M Embil1, J S Geddes, D Foster
1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|December 1, 1993
Summary
An arc welder with an implantable defibrillator can safely return to work. Thorough screening confirmed that workplace electromagnetic fields did not interfere with the device, allowing the patient to resume employment without incident.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Implantable defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Occupational electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure poses potential risks to ICD function.
- Patients with ICDs may face employment limitations in electromagnetically challenging environments.
Observation:
- A male arc welder, fitted with an ICD, sought to return to his high-EMF workplace.
- On-site testing included device evaluation and ambient magnetic field measurements during welding.
- Intracardiac electrograms were monitored for artifacts and sensing disturbances.
Findings:
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused transient artifacts on the intracardiac electrogram during welding.
- No significant disturbance of the ICD's sensing function was observed.
- Measured magnetic field strengths were below the threshold for device inactivation.
- The patient successfully resumed his arc welding employment without adverse events.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of ICD patients working in "electrically hostile" environments.
- Comprehensive pre-employment screening is vital for assessing occupational safety with ICDs.
- Findings support the safe return of individuals with ICDs to demanding occupations following rigorous evaluation.